Play It Again Sam
It's a far too generic fallacy that sequels cannot measure up to the standards placed upon them by their predecessor. We are in a world where if something is good, we scurry to copy it, but ironically toss about phrases like 'second best' and 'second rate', and 'factory seconds'.
Give me a second and I'll get to my point...
Nearly everything has a next generation. Some are equal sequels, some exceed, and some fail. There is no tried and true test to determine the outcomes. Sometimes it's merely your own outlook, being so enamoured by the original that you close your eyes to the extra crispy.
Often a movie so widely acclaimed sends the stars of its 'part deux' into actor leprosy, where no one will touch them. Should someone have told Jason it was time to finally die and stay that way? How much deep space is still out there to boldly go? When it's gone with the wind can the breeze blow it back? Someone someplace had faith that we'd embrace a sequel or they'd not have sunk their bucks and reputations into it, again and again. Then a market glut of movies obscures the worth of perfectly palatable pictures.
Children often follow in their parent's footsteps, many excel and make the family proud, and attaining heights never reached by their forefathers. Some falter along the way and become the black sheep of the family. Again, the factors that shape this path are never cut and dry, can never be second guessed.
The same can be said for book series, newer models of cars, updated versions of software. Do we expect too much? Do we often predestine the follower to fail by following the failings before it? Do we often not give it a second chance by virtue of its second place?
But in this world of unknowns as applied to the next generations, there are a few absolutes, undeniable proof that two may be better than one.
The second time a wedding dress is worn...when the mother sees her daughter walking down the aisle.
A casserole the second night when all the spices have melded into a more flavorful concoction.
The second snow after the initial one has cleared the air of its impurities, so white and pure and ready for snowcream.
The second time your baby stands up, because you were so excited the first time that you screamed and scared her and you were afraid she'd never do it again.
The second glance from HIM across the room, then you knew he was definitely interested.
Second dates, so you know you didn't blow the first one afterall.
The second kiss, you were too nervous to enjoy the first.
Encores because they loved what you did the first time.
Your second computer, when it became more than a toy.
The second helping of dessert, enough said.
A second anniversary.
The second day of a new haircut when you realize it's not as bad as you thought.
Your puppy's repeat performance on the papers, so you have hope she's trained.
The second finger on the left hand, where your wedding band shines.
That great find at the flea market, someone's second hand castoff is your newest treasure.
Second chances to make better use of what you learned the first time.
After waddling for nine months, getting that second button fastened on your button fly jeans.
The second daisy of spring, you didn't want to pick the first and mar the vision that signaled the season.
Perhaps...The Second Coming?
The second day of each month since it's one day closer to Christmas.
Stealing second base.
What's that old song? "Love is lovelier the second time around"
Are these secondary and inconsequential? Not on your possibly reincarnated second life! First rate all the way! Repeats are not necessarily rejects, if we give them a second glance.
I'll save you second row seats for 'Jason Does the Millennium'.
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