alternatehistory.com

2004 In Reflection

2004 was an interesting year. Dominated with Al Gore's discovery and the revelations of the Exxon-Mobil climate change news suppression, it seemed like Al Gore finally found his stride. News outlets covered the investigations as more and more bits of data came in to reveal the depths of Exxon-Mobil's treachery and how the powerful oil company would be taken apart by angry stock investors for their duplicity and then deprived of federal funds, leaving it to begin dying a slow ignoble message. A power mvoe by the Gore administration. They not only showed they were right, but also showed them what they were willing to do in the name of that righteousness. Beyond that, the increase in hurricane strength had led to more research into connections with climate change, especially with the possibility of increased superstorms.Beyond that though, there was plenty of good news. The Summer Olympics were a large success and with Gore's reelection, there was a greater attitude of optimism in the air that was had.

Other nations began following suit in their quest for renewable energy and taking the protection of the environment seriously. Though at the same time, they had their own problems to take care of. While the US has much to celeberate, the massive earthquake over in the Indian Ocean meant both an outcry of support and also preparations for their own earthquakes, given the intense devastation and damage. Especially with the rising tsunamis. Beyond repairs and living assitances, Gore did call into plan the fact that plans for large-scale refugees would need to be considered, regarding those displaced by natural disasters. While earthquakes weren't affected by climate change, tsunamis were and not just in the rise of ocean levels. The refugee question also was added given how Iraq was a ticking timebomb and Gore had met with Iran discussing potential security questions regarding the remnants of Al-Queda and other terrorists. Iran's rising economy had been benefitting from the oil trade with Europe and the US, especially since they were more willing to pass reforms to remain on the US's good side and enjoying watching the House of Saud's influence dwindle. However, they have also been preparing for when Iraq and Syria goes to hell and they have even discussed the Qajar region with Gore. Additionally, seeing how Gore laid the law down on the oil companies did have the nation invest in nuclear power and renewable energy. Other nations began following suit though in Venezuela, it led to rising tensions between some of the population and Chavez in regards to this.

Meanwhile, the pop culture scene began changing. The Day After Tomorrow was a fascinating look into climate change. While initially not focused on the science, the prescence of the Gore Administration led to them focusing more on the science and the theme of the plot, especially with the Exxon-Mobil scandal. The climate catatrosphe was instead the result of the Yellowstoen supervolcano erupting and how it led to absolute disaster across the globe. It borrows elements from the The Road and while not necessarily on climate change, given the origin is from a very rare disaster, it does paint a bleak picture on how climate can lead to the near collapse of civilization and how connected the world is. On the other hand, the ending, which sees humanity overcome the troubles through foresight, science and collaboration also provides it. However, the film was also an exception to the more upbeat and optimistic atmosphere pop culture was. No film shows this more than Spider-Man 2. Many predicted the film would have some trouble given how Tobey McGuire's injury from Seabiscuit prevented him from shooting the film and he was replaced with Jake Gyllenhaal. While Gyllenhaal did pretty well, it was just a sign within the troubled prodution of the film as last minute changes regarding Doc Ock's character and how unsatisfied Mary Jane's actress was in being a damsel distress led to minor delays in the film. Even when released, how achieving critical scores, it did not perform as well in the box office and the growing rumors on the backstage drama. The shockwaves around the film industry did have an effect as Bryan Singer agreed to do a third Xmen film, granted more money to do. This has been contrasting on Spider-Man 2's lackluster success and the troubled production on the third has led to some growing debates over in Marvel regarding the success of X-Men compared to the rest of the Marvel franchises... Beyond that though, various different films have come out and changing things. Disney has taken advantage of the growing public domain to try and use some newer ideas. Television has also seen changes as there was a growing demand for more serious works on television or at least, more seriously-written given how the culture landscape meant there was less of a need for escapism (and even escapist films had higher expectations), resulting in a decline in comedy-centric shows.

Video games meanwhile continued to grow and change. The Xbox-SEGA merger led to unexpected competition in Japan for Sony and while Nintendo was content with their GameCube, the PlayStation 2 still did better, but not as much due to stiffer competition with the Xbox. Sonic Battle was introduced as a form of sequel to Sonic The Fighters, though with a surprising story involving the main playable character, Emerl. It also saw the return of many favorite characters, including those from Sonic The Fighters such as Nack the Weasel, Bean the Duck, and Bark the Polar Bear, introduced as a trio of bounty hunters. The game came out in the fall after Spring introduced Sonic Heroes. The merger had been proven itself well, as the Sonic comics were going though Archie though a bit nervous on messing with Microsoft while a new Sonic the Hedghog animated series was produced though now aimed a bit more toward Western audiences, albeit with an "anime" style. The series was delayed by a year due to miscommunications over the details. Notably, the animated studio behind the series (Sonic X) was paid a salary, a bit of a rarity in Japan. Apparently since Microsoft Operations did not feel wholly comfortable underpaying the Japanese animators. Other video game related news was a rumor on a potential merger between Rare and Ubisoft. Of course, the big news being discussed was World of Warcraft. After years of development, it was finally released. The game was notable for having been the first project for several new staff folks and some redevelopments. However, the game starts as players choose between two sides, the Alliance with Humans, dwarves, night elves, gnomes or the Horde, they start with Orcs, trolls,blood elves and goblins. Goblins were initially an uncertainty, but was suggested to be put in by a new guy, namely to match the dynamics of the sides.

Overall 2004 signified an end and a beginning. An end to Gore's first tenure and the beginning of his second.