A review by wynnz
Clowns by Peter Cawdron

adventurous challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 

"I didn't enjoy this instalment as much as the others; I found it too depressing and introspective, looking at what it means to be human. Two women are thrust into the middle of a conspiracy: one is a secret service agent, and the other is a porn star/prostitute. Both must work and rely on each other's skills and expertise in their chosen professions to get to the bottom of it, infiltrate an organisation known as 'The Clowns,' and uncover their plans for a new sociopolitical future.
It got me thinking about the episode in TNG 'Encounter at Farpoint' where Picard was put on trial and had to defend humanity to 'Q.' Similarly, in this case, humanity has to justify itself to the aliens, showing that we are worthy of being noticed and contacted, but due to our inability to change, we are not.
The author suggests that to be regarded as an intelligent species, we should look after and care for the vulnerable people in our societies: the poor, the sick, the disenfranchised, and women facing abuse and cruel treatment all over the world—a worthwhile philosophy indeed. However, in our current climate, I don't think it's an achievable or obtainable goal. Truly a work of fiction.
"Money is the root of all evil," capitalism doesn't work. Well, it works for the rich. In my limited experience, there are no perfect forms of governing. They all have their flaws, and people will always fall through the cracks. I have voted in many general elections over the years, and yet very little changes for the good. You only have to look at the most popular forms of governance around the world; most are in conflict, and people live in fear. Democracy is a very fragile and delicate rose in the crown of western society, but just look at Jan 6th in the US—supposedly a pillar, beacon, and an example of democracy at its best. One man nearly brought it to the brink of collapse, and this is the best the world can offer? Communism doesn't seem to be working that well either; there are problems with that system as well. Very few truly socialist countries have happy-go-lucky people.
Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism, Monarchy, Oligarchy, Theocracy, Dictatorship—pick a flavour and see if it suits you. It seems to me every government has a hierarchy. Normally, they consist of family members, the rich, the powerful, and hacks. I am sure many civic-minded people are elected and genuinely want to improve the lives of their constituents but are ground down by the bureaucracy and status quo of the establishment.
If we can't put our own house in order, perhaps we shouldn't go exploring. Physician, heal thyself. Anyway, there's a good chance we'll annihilate each other before we even get that chance."