The Soundtrack, Part 15

A brick café storefront on a sunny morning, with a striped green and gold awning, a hanging sign reading I (heart) CREPES, outdoor tables on the sidewalk, and a woman walking away down the street.

Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat

Part 15 opens at an outdoor café in the morning. This is exactly the kind of song a member of the waitstaff would put on if somebody handed them the morning playlist. That’s the song’s place in the world of the story.

It’s also there on porpoise for another reason. If this song means something to you personally, I put it there for you. I see you.

Karma Police – Radiohead

Part 15 ends on Karma Police. In my head, the camera holds focus on the foreground while the subject walks away from it, getting blurrier with every step. Then it cuts to black right as Thom Yorke’s first line lands.

It fits because this is someone getting what they deserve. Or maybe not. It depends on how you look at it, and whether you’re judging by what’s right or by what’s helpful.

Maybe it’s too on the nose. I’ve never shied away from that kind of directness before, and I’m not starting now. And if you’ve never seen the video, look it up. It’s great.