Often called American film's greatest film (alternately with Citizen Kane), Casablanca as many know was written on a continuing day to day basis. Actors would show up on the set each day to pour over rewrites. No one knew what the ending would be. Alternatives included Rick and Ilsa staying together, Rick getting killed, and Victor getting killed. Ultimately, Ilsa and Victor end up on the plane while Rick is left standing in the drizzling fog alongside Louie (no wonder Bogie always looked pissed).
I woke up this morning drowsily thinking, "Wouldn't it be great if Ilsa had run away with Sam?" What a twist!
So what the hell has this got to do with Donald Trump you may well ask. Alternative endings, that's what. It's becoming the game du jour. Even the most cynical skeptic ought to be able to see what's coming by now. Let us count the ways to his demise from the least likely on up.
1] Ilsa's been dead for years, so that's out.
2] All charges are dropped ties with: 2A] A monument to him is placed on top of Lincoln's monument.
3] Serious mention of treason is out (puts the death penalty on the table), but stay tuned.
4] A slap on the wrist (preferably by Sister Mary Stigmata, a.k.a. The Penguin...WHACK!).
5] Someone pardons him (Who? God? Good luck with that sweetie).
6] Probation and house arrest (30% of Americans prostrate themselves and pray toward Mar-A-Lago daily?).
7] He's reelected and pardons himself (possible, but one foot still planted in the Twilight Zone).
8] SCOTUS rescues him (Gee. Think there'll be any appeals?).
9] Fines and/or imprisonment (Wake up everybody; we're here).
10] Freedom loving bigots storm the Bastille and release him (Oops. We're back in La-La land).
It's the only thing that makes any sense. I know that it is 2023 and that we're still firmly ensconced in TrumpLand, however; let's face it, this is the Alamo all over again. With 4 criminal investigations totaling 91 indictments, I think we can safely say that this latest messiah will be spending a big chunk of his presidential campaign in a courtroom, if not on a witness stand somewhere.
And let's take one more toke and say he beats all but one rap. Let's say it's the Georgia RICO Act that it he gets hung up on. That's twenty dirty years in the hole, folks.
As I've said over and over again: Trump is toast. The only thing left is for the lights to dim, the curtains to part, and, “Roll film.”
But getting over him?