Well, fine then, Academy, if you’re not going to honor Robert Francis Vaughn, then I will–proudly.
His was a face I’d seen many times before I realized who he was–and when I did finally realize who he was, I fell in love. It was his portrayal of Napoleon Solo that made me fall for him, but it soon became clear to me that any character he brought to life was wonderful and memorable–not just the brave, loyal international agent, but the skittish Old West gunfighter, the wealthy private eye, the authoritative General who could command anyone in the world except his former partner, the most adorable con artist in human history, and so many more.
But he was so much more than just a really good actor. He was a true Renaissance Man–a man of the stage, the screen, the spoken word, and the printed word. He was the biggest fan of Hamlet. And he was an activist–speaking up for what he believed in, ready to take whatever consequences that resulted.
He was an actor. An activist. A writer. An inspiration.
But, most of all, he was a wonderful, kind, and caring human being.
So, around 2 years ago, I did an MFU-themed run of Oregon Trail.
I decided to do another one, with this premise: Napoleon and Illya go back in time and meet Lionheart and Kid, and they travel the Trail together.
Highlights and commentary by @ksturf and myself under the cut–
It was a month before something happened. Thankfully, Napoleon will look after him with some TLC…
….Aaaaand gets it from him.
Illya: I told you to sleep somewhere else… Napoleon: …Worth it.
Napoleon chooses this inopportune moment to extol the virtues of vaccines and modern medicine. Lionheart doesn’t appreciate it.
Napoleon: So, with just a quick inoculation, you can avoid this– Lionheart: SHADDUP *goes for a punch, misses, punches the wagon’s support beam instead, and–*
Napoleon: …Did you think I didn’t know my own fighting style? I mean, you’re basically me… Lionheart: I said shaddup!
This happened so many times. Two seasoned travelers plus two Survival School graduates apparently are not enough.
Lionheart: So where are those vaccines you were talking about? Illya: This was from the bad water, Blockhead! *goes for a punch, misses, also hits the wagon support beam–*
Napoleon: …New rule, no more fighting.
Illya: Napoleon, did you forget to get your booster shot!? Napoleon: …I… might have… Lionheart: So you forgot your newfangled vaccine? Illya: This BLOCKHEAD did, da. Kid: *quiet snark*
Illya: NAPOLEON, I SWEAR I AM DRAGGING YOU TO MEDICAL TO GET YOUR BOOSTERS AS SOON AS WE GET BACK TO OUR TIME. Kid: *more, louder snarking* Napoleon: *annoyed breathing in Kid’s general direction*–
Kid: YOU GATDANGED CITY SLICKER…!
*much TLC and a new truce ensues*
…And they finally made it all in one piece! …Just barely!
