Concluded the idea John had of getting the family out of the picture. We can always just pull that string later on if we like, maybe have them get abducted along with his mother in-law (which causes him no small bit of joy).

I left it kind of open so Ridcully could get us started on a fresh heading.

I thought this was a nice thoughtful pause in the action with some believable musing about motivation.

Very nice. I echo THX ’s comments about the motivation. I liked the realistic look at how little motivation having a gun shoved in your face can be. Plus the awards ceremony. The whole idea of a nefarious super villain enterprise being a normal company is more interesting than the familial threats that I brought in earlier.
Kind of reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer goes to work for Hank Scorpio. One of my favorites.

I’d be lying if I said that “You Only Move Twice” (that Simpsons episode) didn’t inspire me a little bit when I first tossed out the evil corporation idea from Ridcully’s setup. I think it’s fascinating when you shine a little light on the type of people that might work for a super villain. Homer does it unknowingly, so it’s fun to explore our man Phil who knows full well what he’s involved in.

I really liked this one. A nice natural close to the family angle, and a nice lead-in for the action to come…

Oh yes, and such an awesome choice of car – a LeSabre fits perfectly

Yes, I love the little bit about how a 401k and 4 weeks of vacation is a better motivator than being held at gunpoint.