The Spider #93 - The Benevolent Order Of Death
Just finished listening to "The Spider #93 - The Benevolent Order Of Death" by Grant Stockbridge, the corporate nom-de-plume of Norvell W. Page, released by Radio Archives.
Confession time: I almost did not review this outing of The Spider because of it's astonishing and striking similarities of the fictional populist Barnum Wright, leader of the Benevolent Order of Americans, to real life former President Donald Trump. Keep in mind that while I am a registered Republican, I vote for who I believe the best candidate is, though, like a majority of people I force myself to choose the lesser of two evils. NOT something I'm particularly proud of.
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media platforms know, I believe in full transparency and I always admit when I have a connection to the book, movie, music CD, and audio drama that I am reviewing.
Several years ago, I wrote the back liner notes for several collections released by Radio Archives. And while we have never met in person, I am friends with the reader/narrator Nick Santa Maria here on Facebook and we have exchanged a few - not a lot - of direct messages here on Facebook and occasionally each of us has liked the other's posts. [Someone went off the proverbial deep end once when I didn't mention this once years ago and while I concede she did have a fair and valid point, I decided to block the young lady for her wild accusations and use of profanity. Manners and good graces are important.]
Barnum Wright is perhaps one of The Spider's most intriguing villains because at first glance, his actions mirrors most the goals of Richard Wentworth's Spider persona. Wright's Benevolent Order of Americans want to enforce law and order, and promote the welfare of humanity - at least those in New York City. [It would be interesting if Richard Wentworth ever crossed paths with Doc Savage.] Yet Wright enforces military discipline in his ranks and his personal army in many ways echoes the NAZIs.
Naturally, Wentworth doesn't fall for Wright's charade and knows that there is a mastermind behind Wright and his crew.
What is perhaps most interesting is that Mary-Ann, Jackson's wife, discovers the identity of The Spider in this outing, and those outsiders who learn that Wentworth is The Spider, usually end up dying. Nita also is forced to take on the role of The Spider to save her life.
Curiously, there were editor's notes sprinkled throughout this tale, a first, if I'm remembering correctly. Also of note, a young member of one of The Spider Youth Clubs, Angelo, is dissuaded by The Spider for doing his own amateur investigations and almost loses his life due to his willingly eagerness to help The Spider. I felt this may have been added to discourage anyone from investigating criminal activity in real life to emulate The Spider. Morality Police in America existed back then and to some extent today as well.
Nick Santa Maria does his usual resounding job of narrating this outing of The Spider.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.radioarchives.com/The_Spi...
Confession time: I almost did not review this outing of The Spider because of it's astonishing and striking similarities of the fictional populist Barnum Wright, leader of the Benevolent Order of Americans, to real life former President Donald Trump. Keep in mind that while I am a registered Republican, I vote for who I believe the best candidate is, though, like a majority of people I force myself to choose the lesser of two evils. NOT something I'm particularly proud of.
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook, Goodreads, and other social media platforms know, I believe in full transparency and I always admit when I have a connection to the book, movie, music CD, and audio drama that I am reviewing.
Several years ago, I wrote the back liner notes for several collections released by Radio Archives. And while we have never met in person, I am friends with the reader/narrator Nick Santa Maria here on Facebook and we have exchanged a few - not a lot - of direct messages here on Facebook and occasionally each of us has liked the other's posts. [Someone went off the proverbial deep end once when I didn't mention this once years ago and while I concede she did have a fair and valid point, I decided to block the young lady for her wild accusations and use of profanity. Manners and good graces are important.]
Barnum Wright is perhaps one of The Spider's most intriguing villains because at first glance, his actions mirrors most the goals of Richard Wentworth's Spider persona. Wright's Benevolent Order of Americans want to enforce law and order, and promote the welfare of humanity - at least those in New York City. [It would be interesting if Richard Wentworth ever crossed paths with Doc Savage.] Yet Wright enforces military discipline in his ranks and his personal army in many ways echoes the NAZIs.
Naturally, Wentworth doesn't fall for Wright's charade and knows that there is a mastermind behind Wright and his crew.
What is perhaps most interesting is that Mary-Ann, Jackson's wife, discovers the identity of The Spider in this outing, and those outsiders who learn that Wentworth is The Spider, usually end up dying. Nita also is forced to take on the role of The Spider to save her life.
Curiously, there were editor's notes sprinkled throughout this tale, a first, if I'm remembering correctly. Also of note, a young member of one of The Spider Youth Clubs, Angelo, is dissuaded by The Spider for doing his own amateur investigations and almost loses his life due to his willingly eagerness to help The Spider. I felt this may have been added to discourage anyone from investigating criminal activity in real life to emulate The Spider. Morality Police in America existed back then and to some extent today as well.
Nick Santa Maria does his usual resounding job of narrating this outing of The Spider.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.radioarchives.com/The_Spi...
No comments have been added yet.
