The Last Episode Of '30 Days' (part 1)

Perfect World story (The NOW)

You may not have seen his series '30 Days', but I'm pretty sure that if you live in this country and have access to eyes and ears you have heard of his movie 'Supersize Me'. In that film Spurlock shone a light on the dangers of the fast food industry by eating nothing but MacDonalds food for 30 straight days. He had a doctor check him out beforehand, and then got another complete physical afterwards.

Needless to say, if he had eaten that same diet for a year instead of a month, he'd likely be dead.

Feedback from that movie was tremendous, and inspired the television reality show '30 Days', which had a similar theme-- a person from one side of an issue spent 30 days living and breathing the other side. With the cameras rolling we watched and hoped a transformation would take place, or a meeting of the minds or a softening of hard beliefs would occur. We were gratified when it did and frustrated yet hopeful when it didn't.

The show ran for three seasons and just ended last year, covering important topics like living on minimum wage, being gay in a straight world, being Muslim in America and even going to jail. It was a powerful eye-opener of a show and had a lot more to say than the paltry 18 episodes it was given to do so.

So I'm writing another one!

I doubt it will ever make it to air, but I'll try to write it in the spirit of the show. Watch an episode if you haven't yet and try to envision this episode shot in that manner.

All 18 episodes are available to see, free and immediate, at IMDB.com. Search 30 Days and select the result from 2005; click on any highlighted numbers or words following the heading "Seasons" in the main body of information which comes up. Then just click any 'full episode' button and enjoy (if you have the bandwidth, of course)!

Here we go!

30 Days

Season 4, Episode 1

Living In Aden

Morgan Spurlock: Welcome. Do you live in a big city, take the slow and crowded train to a mind-numbing job, reverse it at the end of the day then plop down in front of the TV, fall asleep and do it all over again, day after day, year after year, until you are dead? Well, if you're one of 100 million people in the United States of America, then you do.

Meet Joe Thwacker, Mr big city everyman. He's 31, single and would be searching for Miss Right but for his job, which takes up most of his time. He works as a marketing VP on the 37th floor of a tall building in New York City owned by a large corporation which owns many such tall buildings across America. He's up at 6 am and home at 8 pm, just in time for a couple of hours of prime time in his La-Z-Boy in front of a bag of take-out and a sixer of Bud, where he crashes until woken at 6 am to do it all over again. Not exactly his life of dreams-- the money's good, but he never gets a chance to spend it. What does he think of his life? He thinks it sucks.

On the other side of things, a thousand miles west in a remote section of Nebraska is an experimental city called Aden that you won't find on any map. Aden has been designed to be the city of the future, based on a model by the visionary responsible for Perfect World Theory, in itself a redesign of human society meant to best reflect what we are as human mammals. All the homes are clean and comfortable-- all the jobs are meaningful and well-supported-- all the grounds are clean and manicured.

Aden works on the principle of Whole Family-- the concept that everyone you meet and engage with is a family member, however distant-- and as such, they make sure that each member is well taken care of. It is a city of 300,000 people, and because Whole Family Concept is remarkably efficient, it can run on just a paltry three million man-hours per week. That means each citizen needs to work only about ten hours a week!

Joe has agreed to be a part of the show and will give up his rat race of a life to spend in the Perfect World that is Aden, Nebraska, for the next 30 days.

(Theme Music & Intro)

(Tag ID- 'Day 1')

(Spurlock, in voice-over): Joe is a little confused by the directive that he bring nothing with him to Aden-- no clothes, no personal items-- nothing. He learns that it will all be provided for him. He doesn't have to bring any ID, any credit cards, any money at all. As a matter of fact, he is given a package of clothing to wear and asked to put it on before he even leaves his house, which he does. It's a light long sleeve t-shirt and a pair of thin pants made of a similar material. They connect together at the belt, a belt which Joe thinks is a little bulky for such a thin outfit. The cloth is white, which makes him feel like a doctor. He can't even bring a winter coat along and is understandably apprehensive when he opens the front door to face the chilly New York winter.

Joe: What the...?

Spurlock (vo): He is getting his first taste of the miracle that is Aden. Joe is finding out that the fabric he is wearing has a fascinating feature: It can rapidly weave extra threads into the fabric for when the outside temperature drops, a feature which is only made possible by using nanotailors. Nanotailors of course are tiny robots that pull one end of a long piece of thread through a predetermined path in the fabric, and when completed (along with the ten thousand or so other nanotailors) a t-shirt becomes as warm as a down jacket. The threads are stowed in the belt, and the process can be reversed when the weather changes back because there are nanotailors on both ends of the string.

Warm in seconds, Joe gets into the limo, and then the private jet. A scant few hours later and he's landing in Aden International, an airport that the FAA doesn't include on its public grid for reasons which will become obvious in a short time. Getting off the plane the first thing he notices is that it is a very quiet airport-- only a few passengers are leaving.

Joe is approached by his guide Phillip.

Phillip: Welcome, Joe!

Joe: Hi. So let's see this city of yours!

Phillip: The best way is with a skycab... I'll go get one.

Spurlock (vo): Aden is a special city. For one thing, you won't find a billboard anywhere-- the entire city looks like a park dotted with low wide treeless hillsides. Occasionally a tall building rises up. But floating over the city like mosquitos are the skycabs-- four-seater floating driverless taxicabs that run on helium and compressed air and take you wherever you want to go... eventually. High pressure and speed are just not common in Aden... it is a relaxed place.

Floating for about 15 minutes, Joe could see that the city seemed much larger than standard cities like New York or Chicago, fading off into the distance, but with far fewer features. As a matter of fact, Joe is hard pressed to call the place a city at all, as it looks more like the space between cities, with squares and circles of farmland and narrow ribbon one-lane highways.

The skycab descended to the ground... and then below, as Joe realizes they were entering a shaft in the ground. Finally they landed in a parking space some 150 feet below the surface. The underground tunnel was more of a smooth cave, with rounded walls, that extended in several directions, like being inside a string of balloons. The sidewalks were smooth like linoleum or tile, but with no seams,

Phillip: We're still a few miles from your quarters... let's head to the moving sidewalk.

Joe: Moving sidewalk? Like the ones in some airports?

Phillip: You'll see. Come on.

As they walked, Phillip briefed Joe about his stay. He would be entered into the city's controlling computer system in order to be recognized and tracked. All Adeners, it was explained, were fully integrated into the city. Each person's abilities and enjoyments were recorded and seamlessly worked into the whole, so that citizens got what they requested most of the time, and at the same time the city maintained full functionality.

They stopped at a kiosk along the wall. Joe could see these kiosks everywhere he looked; comfortable seats in front of large TV screens.

Phillip spoke to the computer, telling it Joe was a 30 day visitor.

Computer: (In a sultry female voice) Hello, Joe.

Joe: Um... hello? (turns to Phillip) Can she hear me?

Computer: Yes, darling, I can. What we're going to do is figure out a few good occupations for you for this visit, as well as finding out a list of your favorites-- favorite foods, favorite activities, favorite sexual companions, favo...

Joe: Wait. Wait! WAIT! Phillip, the computer wants to know about my sex companions!

Phillip: Yes, Joe. You DO want sex companions, don't you?

Joe: Umm... yes?

Spurlock (vo): Over the next few minute Joe looks at pictures of different items and is asked to point out the ones he likes. He's shown pictures of food, of activities, of beautiful people at play and working. Then, a tag on a chain is issued and drops into a dish on the table. Phillip tells him that is his ID, of sorts. The computer runs everything, from the transportation systems to city organization to the whims of the citizenry, and the more information it has the better and more seamlessly it can merge it all together. Whatever Joe does in the next 30 days will be recorded by the computer so that he may better fit in to the whole.

Phillip: Just tell the computer everything about you, Joe.

Joe: Everything? What about my privacy?

Phillip: (laughs) Don't worry about your privacy, Joe. The computer doesn't care at all. This is just to help things run more smoothly.

Joe: Well, what if I accidently run afoul of your cities' laws?

Phillip: Do you plan on hurting or killing anyone?

Joe: Of course not!

Phillip: Then you won't be running afoul of any of our laws. That's the only one.

Spurlock (vo): Joe is beginning to realize that this is not even close to any place he's ever been. They walk over to a wide doorway that says 'Citywide Transport-- Come in and have a seat.' They do, in a restaurant-style booth. That same computer voice asks where they're going and Phillip says 'Joe's place'. The booth begins to move, slipping into the main aisle and rolling to the moving sidewalk, where it clicks in place and picks up speed. Joe is being assaulted by the wind, but a glass enclosure rises up and cuts off the breeze. Down they shoot through tunnel after tunnel, and after a few minutes it disengages and rolls to another 'Citywide Transport' embarkation room, hooking in with the other booths and shutting down. Joe seems a little frazzled, but follows Phillip to a glass elevator and gets in. Up it rises and breaks through to the surface, then up the outside of a tall building until Joe can see for miles. The doors open and they walk down a comfortable hallway to a doorway which clicks open at their arrival.

Phillip: We're here!

Joe: (Entering) Hey! This looks like MY place!

Phillip: We made a few alterations before we got here to make you feel more comfortable.

Joe: Thank you! This is amazing! But... there's no kitchen...

Phillip: No need-- food is centrally processed and delivered via vacuum tube. Are you hungry, Joe?

Joe: I could eat.

Spurlock (vo): Phillip presses a panel on the wall and another computer console emerges. Apparently, whenever you want or need something, the computer handles it. Joe asks for a burger and fries. The computer says 'ETA 5 minutes'. Four minutes later a soft chime rings and Phillip presses another panel. A chamber about the size of a microwave oven opens in the wall and inside is a burger and fries, on a plate, with condiments and utensils and a rose in a flute!

Computer: Enjoy!

Joe: Thanks! Phillip, how do I pay for this?

Phillip: Well, you don't.

Joe: Thank you, Phillip!

Phillip: You misunderstand. I didn't buy the food for you. Nobody pays. This is a moneyless city-- didn't Morgan explain that to you?

Spurlock (vo): I didn't! I wanted it to be a surprise, so we could see the look on his face when he found out. Look at it now, folks... have you ever seen incredulity that shocking?

Joe: No money... (he slumps in his chair) I don't get it. How does your city not fall apart?

Phillip: In a word, trust. Imagine you're living in a city where everyone is a family member. How do you rip off the people you love, especially if they're willing to just give it to you?

Joe: But where does it all come from? Your city can't produce everything-- some of it has to come from outside!

Phillip: Okay, Joe, here's the five-cent tour. We're all expected to work at an occupation from among the choices the computer gives us. Some work keeps the city running internally, and some provides goods and services for the outside world which we trade for the items we need. We still use money for that... our exterior work produces cash when the outside world buys it, and we use that cash to buy anything that is needed for the city or the citizenry.

Joe: Doesn't that amount to an awful lot of work?

Phillip: You'd be surprised how much work is just wasted time in the outside world. We used the computer to streamline our needs based on the model designed by the Founder of Perfect World Theory, so we actually need to produce less per capita than any other city, by an order of something like 300%. Anyway, that means that whenever you need or want something, just ask the computer. The computer will take it from here, Joe. Enjoy your meal.

Joe: What do you mean, the computer will take it from here?

Phillip: Your day's activities, your needs and desires and your work schedule will be prepared for you by the computer. Also, if you need to get in touch with me or anyone else, the computer can help you do it.

Joe: Oh! Thank you, Phillip!

Spurlock (vo): For the first time since arriving, Joe is alone. Then old habits rise up and he's looking for a television. The computer asks what he would like and Joe says 'basketball'. The screen fills with choices-- every recent game for every team in the NBA and the NCAA, plus about 30 local games to watch live, plus another hundred if he wants to participate! Joe opts for being social and finds a local pickup game within his skill level (which was determined to be 4/10, where 1 is a novice and 10 is Michael Jordan-level ability). The computer tells him to exit his apartment and follow the green arrow to his destination.

Joe: How do I lock the door?

Computer: You don't. We have no locks, anywhere, except to keep dangerous items from children.

Spurlock (vo): Joe is becoming less surprised with each passing minute. He follows the green arrow projected in front of him through passageways, elevators, downward curving ramps and one set of two steps. He turns a corner and sees an enormous gymnasium with dozens of basketball courts. It is indoors but is obviously lit by the sun, all while a warm breeze tousles his hair. He finds his game, shakes hands and learns the names of the other players, and runs hard for 90 minutes. As he leaves he notices everyone stopping at a console on their way out.

Joe: Why are you doing that?

Man: The computer records everything, man! Stats, position, ability... the next time you play you'll be evenly matched!

Joe: How does it know?

Man: The ID chip around your neck, man.

Joe stops at a console himself and the screen shines with statistics. He's had a good game and he notices with satisfaction that his rating has jumped from 4/10 to 6.23/10.

Joe: Where do I shower, guy?

Man: This way.

Joe follows him to the shower/change room and steps before a nozzle. Instead of the usual surge of water he experiences a warm drafty tingling, a cloudy puff and a cool microspray. Then it stopped. He was about to complain but realized he was cool, dry and smelled clean, and that must be what passed for showers in Aden. He followed the arrow back home and his computer chirped with instructions.

Nobody gets something for nothing, and Joe is no exception. He reads the screen, which has figured out his Equalescence-- the amount of work he would need to contribute to equal his usage of the city.

Computer: You'll need to work 40 hours.

Joe: 40 hours a week!? That's half my normal workload!

Computer: No, Joe. 40 hours. Total. For the month. Or you could work more, if you want. That way when you leave, we'll also give you a paycheck.

Joe: You're kidding me!

Computer: How well-programmed do you think I am? No. Sadly, I'm being completely honest.

Joe: What kind of compensation are we talking about?

Computer: The current rate of compensation is $30,000 an hour.

Joe: You're KIDDING!

Computer: This time I am, Joe. Ell- Oh- Ell! The true compensation depends on the type of work you choose to do, with the least coveted jobs paying best.

Joe: Wait. Aren't there jobs that people NEVER want to do?

Computer: Very few. Most of those have been automated. The few remaining 'distasteful' jobs are usually done by people who want gobs of money for traveling outside of the city.

Joe: I get it! Slick system! But what do people do with all that free time? Aren't there troublemakers?

Computer: There aren't many. I try to keep potential troublemakers like you busy, Joe. This is sort of a dream city, in case you hadn't noticed.

Joe: I noticed. Nice dig. Okay, what kind of work do you have for me?

Spurlock (vo): Now that Joe has the lowdown on Aden, things start to fall into place for him. He's already not missing home or his schedule, his solitude, or the barking orders from his psychotic boss, and he's ready to begin living the dream. The computer has found 37 occupations he could work at, all based on the skill sets gleaned from the entry test he took when he arrived. He glances down the list and is surprised to see one occupation in particular...

Joe: Marketing? Here? Without money isn't there reduced incentive to market products?

Computer: Absolutely.

Joe: Why is it on the list then?

Computer: It's not for us. It's a 'them' job. One of those jobs that earn money for Aden.

Joe: Oh. Well, never mind... I'm really interested in the gardening job.

Computer: I KNEW it! Man, am I good! How did I pull that one out of my ass?

Joe: Eww... IMAGERY, computer!

Computer: Oops, sorry. Let me know when you're ready and I can lead you.

Joe: You know, if you give me a map I can find it myself.

Computer: All righty. You already have a map.

Joe: I do? Where?

Computer: ID chip. Hold it up to any console and announce your destination, and it will display an orthographic hologram of your path.

Joe: A what now?

Computer: A 3-D copy of the city with your path in red, floating in midair.

Joe: Oh. Let's begin in the morning. I'm beat.

Spurlock (vo): On this first day Joe has been bombarded with new ideas and practices, ones which must surely be making his brain tired, as it's only nine pm. We'll catch up with him tomorrow on his first day at work. Stick around!

(Commercial Break)

END OF PART ONE

Copyright 2009 Bruce Ian Friedman