Another interesting update. I grew up in the 90's, so, I can help with later events. Political events can be mentioned?
Golden: A Pop Culture Timeline
- Thread starter TheDetailer
- Start date
One ITTL change I'd like to suggest is that Paramount/Viacom/CBS don't break up so stupidly regarding Star Trek - perhaps set up a separate Star Trek Inc to manage all rights/development/props etc for the show/media?
Another is the replacement for Star Trek: Voyager - by 1998 Season 5, it should have been clear Berman, Braga and co where exhausted - Insurrection had hardly set the box office or critics alight, and Voyager's ratings where never brilliant, even after DS9 finished in 1999 and left them holding the brand. I suggest some of the team that made DS9 so great such as Ronald D Moore are brought across to Voyager and given a lot more slack to build episodes (unlike OTL where Braga undermined him) or better still allowed to develop a replacement series for Voyager unhindered by Braga or even Berman allowing him to bring in new talent. In essence ditch Enterprise and Nemesis as we knew them and replace it with a much better series/movies please!
There is a page of undeveloped Star Trek projects, inc a 1990 animated series that might be interesting. Plus a Captain Sulu Excelsior series always floats about, or indeed giving Worf or Riker their own ship and show.
Another is the replacement for Star Trek: Voyager - by 1998 Season 5, it should have been clear Berman, Braga and co where exhausted - Insurrection had hardly set the box office or critics alight, and Voyager's ratings where never brilliant, even after DS9 finished in 1999 and left them holding the brand. I suggest some of the team that made DS9 so great such as Ronald D Moore are brought across to Voyager and given a lot more slack to build episodes (unlike OTL where Braga undermined him) or better still allowed to develop a replacement series for Voyager unhindered by Braga or even Berman allowing him to bring in new talent. In essence ditch Enterprise and Nemesis as we knew them and replace it with a much better series/movies please!
There is a page of undeveloped Star Trek projects, inc a 1990 animated series that might be interesting. Plus a Captain Sulu Excelsior series always floats about, or indeed giving Worf or Riker their own ship and show.
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God I hope soYou're gonna have to wait and see!
The next chapter might take longer to write, and it involves a private detective, in which I'm still trying to figure out how exactly they work and what they can get away with.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Strickland and Dick: Part 1
March 20th, 1999
Lovitz Residence
Los Angeles, California, USA
Lovitz sat in his home in the late afternoon, listening to the radio while eating some sandwiches. The ringing of the doorbell, however, made him stop and head over towards his front door, he opened it and was greeted by a man dressed in a grey coat and black hat.
"Greetings Mr. Lovitz, I'm Private Detective Craig Hoffman. You called?"[1][2]
"Yes, please, come in."
The two men headed to his kitchen, where Lovitz offered the man a sandwich, to which he refused but accepted a glass of water. While Lovitz's initial suspicions of Dick may have been sidelined in 1998, that didn't stop the two from having a 'rocky' relationship. He still believed that something was up with him at the Grand Return Party, and had kept an eye on him since, he felt like he should have told Hartman something, but every time a voice inside his head would dissuade him, "Hartman is happy and is trying to move on, do you really want to suggest somebody is responsible for their personal tragedy, when it could simply be nothing?". But recently, something made him more suspicious than ever before.
He recently found out about a new friendship between Andy and a little-known actor named David Strickland, his most notable role on the show sitcom Suddenly Susan. He was interested in becoming friends with Dick, with Lovitz sometimes seeing them get in Dick's car and head towards what he presumed his house, but yesterday, Lovitz followed them in his car from a distance, and when they got to their destination, Lovitz discovered that they had been going to Strip Clubs the whole time, and he could have sworn to have seen Dick carry in a bag of who knows what into the club. Lovitz had one, knawing thought on what exactly Dick had in that bag.
And that wasn't all, he did some digging on Strickland and discovered that he had been arrested in October 1998 for the illegal possession of cocaine, and during that time, the shock over the 'Hartman Incident' as it came to be called was still dying down when Strickland's arrest brought attention towards him, it would be good publicity for his work including Suddenly Susan, but not him as a person, as all the attention and paparazzi would prove to be stressful to deal with. It also didn't help that he had Bipolar Disorder. Lovitz could only imagine what would happen if Dick perhaps encouraged Strickland's bad habits, which could result in him going down a dangerous path...
"What is it that you need me to do?" The detective asked.
Lovitz proceeded to explain his situation to the detective. How he felt like Dick was hiding something, how he drove his new friend to strip clubs, and how he saw him carrying a suspicious bag that he thought could contain drugs. He also added the fact how Strickland was arrested for owning cocaine, and that he was supposed to be doing rehab.
"And that's why I need you to do this job for me, I'm worried for that kid, and Dick has had a problem with drugs and alcohol from what I know."
"Well, Mr. Lovitz I could gather evidence that your 'acquaintance' has been using drugs. If you were to give me his address I could investigate his home for any evidence."
"Oh, yeah, here it is," Lovitz then handed the man a piece of paper, which contained Dick's address, "I just want you to find any evidence that he has been using drugs or not."
Hoffman finished his glass of water, "Well, I'll head over to his home and look for evidence for any drug or drug-related paraphernalia, if I do find anything, then I'll send it to the police and we'll see if they can do anything about, but if they don't, then I don't think there is much I can do to assist you there. But I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you."
And so, Craig Hoffman got up and left, got in his car, and headed towards Dick's residence. What he didn't know, however, would be that this particular case would become the biggest of his career.
------
Dick Residence
Los Angeles, California, USA
Detective Hoffman arrived at Dick's Home just in time, as he saw that the lights were on, the car was still in the driveway, and that the faint shapes of silhouettes in the windows. He got out of his car and sneaked into the garden of Dick's residence, making sure not to alert the two that he was there. As he reached the front window to what he assumed to be the living room, he overheard him talking to Strickland about going somewhere, he probably thought they were referring to the Strip Club when he swore he overheard the word 'flight'. Were they planning on going somewhere? He kept listening and found out that they were planning to go to Las Vegas. If both the drugs addiction and bipolar things were correct, and we're combining that with partying and gambling, Hoffan knew that nothing was going to turn up well tonight.
He began sneaking over to the windows to see if there was anything suspicious, doing so repeatedly, and bingo! A full bag of a white powdered substance was sitting in what he figured out to be Dick's bedroom dresser, along with that, what looked like weed across next to it. He took a few photos when he suddenly heard the door open, ducking in response. After a few seconds of waiting, he peaked up to see it was Strickland, looking away from the window and collecting his wallet and keys, looking bored or depressed(atleast to him), he sighed and muttered out before leaving;
"Maybe...maybe, I'll do it."
Hoffman didn't know what Strickland was referring to, but whatever it was, he didn't like the sound of it. After hearing the front door opening, he snuck out again and saw that Dick and Strickland were getting into the car with a few bags of luggage. He snapped a picture of the license plate before it left and drove off at the end of the street. Hoffman stayed and tried to find any more incriminating evidence of possible use of illegal substances, the only thing he found was a questionable looking thing in the kitchen that kind of resembled another bag of a probablly illegal substance. After looking around abit longer, he decided that he could not waste any more time and called Lovitz.
"Lovitz, I'm at Dick's house and managed to collect some evidence."
"Good. What did you get if you don't mind me asking?"
"No problem. I've only got photos, but I found a bag of cocaine and weed in what I think to be Dick's room. And I overheard them saying that they were catching a flight to Las Vegas, it seems that Dick is taking Strickland to a party or something."
Lovitz didn't take this news well "Seriously? He not only owns and is sharing drugs, but shouldn't he know that his friend has bipolar? Who should probably not taking drugs? God dammit Dick."
"Well, there was something I overheard Strickland saying in private, it was kinda weird. It was 'Maybe I will do it'."
Lovitz went a little quiet before saying "I don't like the sound of that, at all. I really think you should turn over your photos to the police."
"Will do. Is there anything else you would like to ask?"
"No thanks. I thank you for doing this thing for me."
"No problem, Lovitz, always happy to help my clients."
Hoffman hung up the phone, and with no more time to waste, got into his car and drove towards the nearest poice station.
[1] This is sorta based on the OTL case in which Brooke Shields hired a private detective to find her friend David Strickland.
[2] P.S: Craig Hoffman is an Original Character, I don't know if there are any 'famous' private investigators stationed in LA, but I'll use him for now.
Lovitz Residence
Los Angeles, California, USA
Lovitz sat in his home in the late afternoon, listening to the radio while eating some sandwiches. The ringing of the doorbell, however, made him stop and head over towards his front door, he opened it and was greeted by a man dressed in a grey coat and black hat.
"Greetings Mr. Lovitz, I'm Private Detective Craig Hoffman. You called?"[1][2]
"Yes, please, come in."
The two men headed to his kitchen, where Lovitz offered the man a sandwich, to which he refused but accepted a glass of water. While Lovitz's initial suspicions of Dick may have been sidelined in 1998, that didn't stop the two from having a 'rocky' relationship. He still believed that something was up with him at the Grand Return Party, and had kept an eye on him since, he felt like he should have told Hartman something, but every time a voice inside his head would dissuade him, "Hartman is happy and is trying to move on, do you really want to suggest somebody is responsible for their personal tragedy, when it could simply be nothing?". But recently, something made him more suspicious than ever before.
He recently found out about a new friendship between Andy and a little-known actor named David Strickland, his most notable role on the show sitcom Suddenly Susan. He was interested in becoming friends with Dick, with Lovitz sometimes seeing them get in Dick's car and head towards what he presumed his house, but yesterday, Lovitz followed them in his car from a distance, and when they got to their destination, Lovitz discovered that they had been going to Strip Clubs the whole time, and he could have sworn to have seen Dick carry in a bag of who knows what into the club. Lovitz had one, knawing thought on what exactly Dick had in that bag.
"What is it that you need me to do?" The detective asked.
Lovitz proceeded to explain his situation to the detective. How he felt like Dick was hiding something, how he drove his new friend to strip clubs, and how he saw him carrying a suspicious bag that he thought could contain drugs. He also added the fact how Strickland was arrested for owning cocaine, and that he was supposed to be doing rehab.
"And that's why I need you to do this job for me, I'm worried for that kid, and Dick has had a problem with drugs and alcohol from what I know."
"Well, Mr. Lovitz I could gather evidence that your 'acquaintance' has been using drugs. If you were to give me his address I could investigate his home for any evidence."
"Oh, yeah, here it is," Lovitz then handed the man a piece of paper, which contained Dick's address, "I just want you to find any evidence that he has been using drugs or not."
Hoffman finished his glass of water, "Well, I'll head over to his home and look for evidence for any drug or drug-related paraphernalia, if I do find anything, then I'll send it to the police and we'll see if they can do anything about, but if they don't, then I don't think there is much I can do to assist you there. But I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you."
And so, Craig Hoffman got up and left, got in his car, and headed towards Dick's residence. What he didn't know, however, would be that this particular case would become the biggest of his career.
------
Dick Residence
Los Angeles, California, USA
Detective Hoffman arrived at Dick's Home just in time, as he saw that the lights were on, the car was still in the driveway, and that the faint shapes of silhouettes in the windows. He got out of his car and sneaked into the garden of Dick's residence, making sure not to alert the two that he was there. As he reached the front window to what he assumed to be the living room, he overheard him talking to Strickland about going somewhere, he probably thought they were referring to the Strip Club when he swore he overheard the word 'flight'. Were they planning on going somewhere? He kept listening and found out that they were planning to go to Las Vegas. If both the drugs addiction and bipolar things were correct, and we're combining that with partying and gambling, Hoffan knew that nothing was going to turn up well tonight.
He began sneaking over to the windows to see if there was anything suspicious, doing so repeatedly, and bingo! A full bag of a white powdered substance was sitting in what he figured out to be Dick's bedroom dresser, along with that, what looked like weed across next to it. He took a few photos when he suddenly heard the door open, ducking in response. After a few seconds of waiting, he peaked up to see it was Strickland, looking away from the window and collecting his wallet and keys, looking bored or depressed(atleast to him), he sighed and muttered out before leaving;
"Maybe...maybe, I'll do it."
Hoffman didn't know what Strickland was referring to, but whatever it was, he didn't like the sound of it. After hearing the front door opening, he snuck out again and saw that Dick and Strickland were getting into the car with a few bags of luggage. He snapped a picture of the license plate before it left and drove off at the end of the street. Hoffman stayed and tried to find any more incriminating evidence of possible use of illegal substances, the only thing he found was a questionable looking thing in the kitchen that kind of resembled another bag of a probablly illegal substance. After looking around abit longer, he decided that he could not waste any more time and called Lovitz.
"Lovitz, I'm at Dick's house and managed to collect some evidence."
"Good. What did you get if you don't mind me asking?"
"No problem. I've only got photos, but I found a bag of cocaine and weed in what I think to be Dick's room. And I overheard them saying that they were catching a flight to Las Vegas, it seems that Dick is taking Strickland to a party or something."
Lovitz didn't take this news well "Seriously? He not only owns and is sharing drugs, but shouldn't he know that his friend has bipolar? Who should probably not taking drugs? God dammit Dick."
"Well, there was something I overheard Strickland saying in private, it was kinda weird. It was 'Maybe I will do it'."
Lovitz went a little quiet before saying "I don't like the sound of that, at all. I really think you should turn over your photos to the police."
"Will do. Is there anything else you would like to ask?"
"No thanks. I thank you for doing this thing for me."
"No problem, Lovitz, always happy to help my clients."
Hoffman hung up the phone, and with no more time to waste, got into his car and drove towards the nearest poice station.
[1] This is sorta based on the OTL case in which Brooke Shields hired a private detective to find her friend David Strickland.
[2] P.S: Craig Hoffman is an Original Character, I don't know if there are any 'famous' private investigators stationed in LA, but I'll use him for now.
Very cool how you're using original characters. May have some you can see about using, if you want.
Strickland and Dick Part 2
The police, when given the photos of Andy Dick's drugs, were quick to investigate his house, in which a few bags were verified to be present inside, which was enough for him to have a warrant put on him, and with the information provided by Private Detective Hoffman, were able to send a few units over to Las Vegas to pick him and Strickland up, along with informing the local police that they were wanted, Dick for owning Cannabis and Cocaine, and Strickland for purposely missing his court date.
However, by the end of today, what seemed to be another typical case of celebrities taking dumb risks with the law, would turn into something bigger than expected...
------
David Strickland sat depressed and alone at the bar of the Flamingo Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, having drunk his worries away under the spell of liquor and beer and spending his money away at gambling since they arrived several hours ago from the airport. Dick was still somewhere in the casino, he too his spending cash away on prizes.
David Gordon Strickland Jr. had been born in Glen Cove, of Long Island on October 14th, 1969, later moving with his parents to Princeton, New Jersey and later to California, where he became an actor. He starred in small roles of television shows such as Dave's World and Sister, Sister, where he longed for a break-out role somewhere, and that somewhere was Suddenly Susan.
Suddenly Susan, while receiving mostly mixed reviews from most audiences, was quite the success, with it being at one point reaching the Rank of #3 on Television. Strickland's character, Todd Stiles, a boyish rock music news reporter, was considered one of the funniest on the show. But as the ratings slowly began to drop, he looked for other work alongside the sitcom.
Forces of Nature, he thought, would be his second major role, it starred big-name actors like Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, it was a romantic comedy film directed by Bronwen Hughes, he would star himself as Steve Montgomery, the brother of the female main character. He thought that this would be a good boost for him, but he would soon be proven wrong. As when the film came out, it turned out his role had been cut down considerably, which only made him feel distraught.
And if that wasn't bad enough, the film wasn't even a big success he thought it would be, it just made under $100 million and received negative to mixed reviews, with the famous Roger Ebert giving it a 1 out of 4. But his troubles didn't end there, he was arrested for being caught with cocaine in his car, which definitely didn't make things better, as just months earlier, Phil Hartman, a famous voice actor, and comedian was nearly killed by his coke-addicted wife, causing a rise of drug awareness amongst higher-ups within the public. So the constant press and paparazzi asking him about his addiction and 'current state of mind' and whatnot, would only slowly but surely push him to the deep end.
So while he might have been depressed as he sat at the bar, trying to recover from his drunken state. He did thank Andy Dick for taking him to Las Vegas, as while he might be crude and awkward in his style of humor, he was doing him a favor. As he would be spending the time at Las Vegas while he had it, as he wasn't planning on leaving this city, atleast, not alive.
He planned to die in Vegas.
------
Dick was enjoying himself a game of roulette, while his friend David was off drinking at the bar, not that he had a problem for that. He was currently trying to take some time off from work with Strickland, who he had met around two weeks ago, in which he felt sorry for him and decided to bring him along on his trip, to which he quite happily accepted. Dick knew that gambling would not really fix his problems, but sometimes, people didn't really care if what they were doing would not help, especially in a place like Vegas.
As he was halfway through the game, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, he turned around a felt a stone drop in his stomach as he came face to face with a group of three police officers.
"Oh, hello officer," Dick said, trying keep it cool, "Is there a problem?".
"Are you Andy Dick?" He simply inquired.
"Yes, is there something I did wrong?"
"Mister Dick, we found drugs in your house, we need to take you to the station for questioning."
Dick's face went white "What? I mean, how did you-?".
"We will explain later, your just going to have to come with us."
Dick simply could only nod, not one to really defy an officer's orders, and started to walk with them while the lead officer ordered two other officers that arrived to search for his friend Stickland, who was probably minding his own business, which would now be ruined.
"Dammit."
------
Standing up and heading back towards Dick, David was thinking of maybe spending the rest of the day at one of the local motels when he stopped and just saw Andy a few feet in the distance talking to a bunch of police officers, he hid behind a wall and watched, hearing over that he was being arrested for cocaine and cannabis possession. But when they mentioned his name and that they were looking for him, that was when he froze. He watched as the officers started to apprehend Dick and look for him. He couldn't believe what was happening, this wasn't supposed to be the way, this wasn't the way that he was supposed to go! The stress, the media, the rehab, he wasn't going back to that life. He needed to find a way to go out, to end his suffering, now.
Before the officers could start their search for him, Strickland made a dash towards the hallway leading out of the bar, he ran all the way down the hall, eventually finding an elevator, to which he entered and pressed to go up to the highest floor possible. The elevator doors closed just as he heard the sound of footsteps and the yells of "Stop!" and "He's going up!" were heard in the distance. He sighed as he knew that he would have some time to work things out.
When the elevator reached the top floor, he immediately dashed around trying to find a room in order to hide in, to which he found a large closet. Running in and locking the door behind him, he soon tried to find something to hang himself with, particularly a rope or a cable/wire, after turning up empty, he decided to try and use his belt. He managed to tie a noose and using a small step, entered and kicked.
He collapsed to the floor face first as the belt buckled under his weight, breaking his nose and causing him to knee-jerk and cuss quite loudly.
"He's in here!" A loud voice said, to which banging on the door soon commenced. "Come out David Strickland! It's the police, if you don't come out we will be forced to break down this door and come inside!".
Strickland's dread slowly grew deeper and deeper with every passing second, he was going back, he was going to be sent to jail, and his life ruined, and when it seemed he was going to go out with bliss and wonder. His depression had never been worse. He quickly looked around, trying to find an escape, that was when he saw it, the window.
"It would be easy," he thought, standing up and walking over to the window, slowly pulling it open, "I will just jump, and that would be that."
Looking over and seeing a small ledge that would be enough to just stand on, he shakily climbed out of the window, and just barely stepped out on the ledge when he heard multiple people start screaming. David Strickland then made a mistake by not closing his eyes, instead looking down.
"Fuck."
However, by the end of today, what seemed to be another typical case of celebrities taking dumb risks with the law, would turn into something bigger than expected...
------
David Strickland sat depressed and alone at the bar of the Flamingo Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, having drunk his worries away under the spell of liquor and beer and spending his money away at gambling since they arrived several hours ago from the airport. Dick was still somewhere in the casino, he too his spending cash away on prizes.
David Gordon Strickland Jr. had been born in Glen Cove, of Long Island on October 14th, 1969, later moving with his parents to Princeton, New Jersey and later to California, where he became an actor. He starred in small roles of television shows such as Dave's World and Sister, Sister, where he longed for a break-out role somewhere, and that somewhere was Suddenly Susan.
Suddenly Susan, while receiving mostly mixed reviews from most audiences, was quite the success, with it being at one point reaching the Rank of #3 on Television. Strickland's character, Todd Stiles, a boyish rock music news reporter, was considered one of the funniest on the show. But as the ratings slowly began to drop, he looked for other work alongside the sitcom.
Forces of Nature, he thought, would be his second major role, it starred big-name actors like Ben Affleck and Sandra Bullock, it was a romantic comedy film directed by Bronwen Hughes, he would star himself as Steve Montgomery, the brother of the female main character. He thought that this would be a good boost for him, but he would soon be proven wrong. As when the film came out, it turned out his role had been cut down considerably, which only made him feel distraught.
And if that wasn't bad enough, the film wasn't even a big success he thought it would be, it just made under $100 million and received negative to mixed reviews, with the famous Roger Ebert giving it a 1 out of 4. But his troubles didn't end there, he was arrested for being caught with cocaine in his car, which definitely didn't make things better, as just months earlier, Phil Hartman, a famous voice actor, and comedian was nearly killed by his coke-addicted wife, causing a rise of drug awareness amongst higher-ups within the public. So the constant press and paparazzi asking him about his addiction and 'current state of mind' and whatnot, would only slowly but surely push him to the deep end.
So while he might have been depressed as he sat at the bar, trying to recover from his drunken state. He did thank Andy Dick for taking him to Las Vegas, as while he might be crude and awkward in his style of humor, he was doing him a favor. As he would be spending the time at Las Vegas while he had it, as he wasn't planning on leaving this city, atleast, not alive.
He planned to die in Vegas.
------
Dick was enjoying himself a game of roulette, while his friend David was off drinking at the bar, not that he had a problem for that. He was currently trying to take some time off from work with Strickland, who he had met around two weeks ago, in which he felt sorry for him and decided to bring him along on his trip, to which he quite happily accepted. Dick knew that gambling would not really fix his problems, but sometimes, people didn't really care if what they were doing would not help, especially in a place like Vegas.
As he was halfway through the game, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder, he turned around a felt a stone drop in his stomach as he came face to face with a group of three police officers.
"Oh, hello officer," Dick said, trying keep it cool, "Is there a problem?".
"Are you Andy Dick?" He simply inquired.
"Yes, is there something I did wrong?"
"Mister Dick, we found drugs in your house, we need to take you to the station for questioning."
Dick's face went white "What? I mean, how did you-?".
"We will explain later, your just going to have to come with us."
Dick simply could only nod, not one to really defy an officer's orders, and started to walk with them while the lead officer ordered two other officers that arrived to search for his friend Stickland, who was probably minding his own business, which would now be ruined.
"Dammit."
------
Standing up and heading back towards Dick, David was thinking of maybe spending the rest of the day at one of the local motels when he stopped and just saw Andy a few feet in the distance talking to a bunch of police officers, he hid behind a wall and watched, hearing over that he was being arrested for cocaine and cannabis possession. But when they mentioned his name and that they were looking for him, that was when he froze. He watched as the officers started to apprehend Dick and look for him. He couldn't believe what was happening, this wasn't supposed to be the way, this wasn't the way that he was supposed to go! The stress, the media, the rehab, he wasn't going back to that life. He needed to find a way to go out, to end his suffering, now.
Before the officers could start their search for him, Strickland made a dash towards the hallway leading out of the bar, he ran all the way down the hall, eventually finding an elevator, to which he entered and pressed to go up to the highest floor possible. The elevator doors closed just as he heard the sound of footsteps and the yells of "Stop!" and "He's going up!" were heard in the distance. He sighed as he knew that he would have some time to work things out.
When the elevator reached the top floor, he immediately dashed around trying to find a room in order to hide in, to which he found a large closet. Running in and locking the door behind him, he soon tried to find something to hang himself with, particularly a rope or a cable/wire, after turning up empty, he decided to try and use his belt. He managed to tie a noose and using a small step, entered and kicked.
He collapsed to the floor face first as the belt buckled under his weight, breaking his nose and causing him to knee-jerk and cuss quite loudly.
"He's in here!" A loud voice said, to which banging on the door soon commenced. "Come out David Strickland! It's the police, if you don't come out we will be forced to break down this door and come inside!".
Strickland's dread slowly grew deeper and deeper with every passing second, he was going back, he was going to be sent to jail, and his life ruined, and when it seemed he was going to go out with bliss and wonder. His depression had never been worse. He quickly looked around, trying to find an escape, that was when he saw it, the window.
"It would be easy," he thought, standing up and walking over to the window, slowly pulling it open, "I will just jump, and that would be that."
Looking over and seeing a small ledge that would be enough to just stand on, he shakily climbed out of the window, and just barely stepped out on the ledge when he heard multiple people start screaming. David Strickland then made a mistake by not closing his eyes, instead looking down.
"Fuck."
Mine apologizes for the lack of updates for the past two days folks, I promise o get out the new post either tonight or tomorrow.
Andy Dick is being led out of a courtroom when a punch hits him in the face; the puncher is none other than Phil Hartman, who says "That was for Brynn, Andrew!" as he's being escorted out (I really doubt he'd even be charged, considering that Dick got his wife addicted to cocaine and nearly caused his death ITTL)…
Strickland and Dick Part 3
A/N: Hey guys, I apologize if this chapter took a little longer than usual, as I felt like I wouldn't do a good job of writing a conversation between a suicidal person and cop. Give me some feedback after reading the Chapter, thanks. - TheDetailer
"This is a CBS Special Report, I'm John Roberts, and tonight we are reporting a shocking event that is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Around 15 minutes ago New York Actor David Strickland, well known for his role in the sitcom Suddenly Susan, climbed out of a several story window of the Flamingo Casino in the South Las Vegas Boulevard area, and is currently, according to police, threatening to jump to his death."
*Shots are shown of Las Vegas, including shots of the Flamingo Casino, in which Strickland can barely be seen standing at the window*
"Strickland had violated his court date and flown to Las Vegas along with fellow comic actor Andy Dick of Newsradio fame, who was reportedly arrested minutes ago for cocaine and cannabis possession, after an anonymous source turned over evidence of such possession over to the Los Angeles Police Department."
*The scene cuts to a female witness, who seems to be shaken*
"Me and my husband were walking out after having a drink at the bar when all of a sudden a bunch of people started shouting and pointing up. We looked up and could see a man at the top climbing of the window and looking like he was going to jump. It was terrifying."
"Strickland, who was known to have suffered from Bipolar Disorder according to his friends and family, has had a troubled history with drugs and alcohol. He was arrested 5 months ago after he was found to have cocaine in his car during a check-up, in which he was forced to go to rehab as a result. Strickland would of have attended a court hearing at the Los Angeles Municipal Court today, but after it became clear that he wouldn't, a warrant was put on him.
Attempts to contact Strickland have so far been unsuccessful by police, although an officer who has said to have been trained to talk to suicidal people is going to arrive on the scene. There is only hope that Strickland will come to his senses, and not jump. We will come back when we have more information. This is John Roberts of CBS News."
- CBS News, as the Strickland Incident was playing out on March 21st, 1999
------
David Strickland stood at the top of the Flamingo Hotel, looking over the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, clutching the window sill behind him strongly as he attempted to calm himself. He did not know why he looked down, why he was just now having second thoughts. He didn't know why he decided to do everything he did previously without a second thought. So many emotions were flying through his head, fear, regret, anger, anxiety. He didn't want to live in this world anymore, but simultaneously, he didn't want to go out like this.
"David!"
Strickland nearly jumped when he heard the voice of another person after several minutes straight of being alone, contemplating on whenever to jump or not. He turned his head to the right to see a woman, with black hair and slightly brown-tinted skin, wearing a police uniform.
"I'm Charlie Joyce of the LVPD, I need you to stay calm."
Strickland groaned and attempted to kep his grip as he quickly realized what was going on "Go away! Just let me die."
"Strickland, trust me, you don't have do this" The woman continued, she was relatively new to the police force compared to her fellow colleagues, but she was known to be skilled in charismatics, and if she could stop one person from killing themselves, then she was not in hell going to let another jump.
"My life is already over! I could have made it as an actor, but I screwed up and ended up as a druggie instead!"
"It isn't! You still have a life to live!"
David growled as he tried to explain to this lady how and why she wasn't going to help him, "I don't think you understand lady, I'm done, I'm finished, I can't go back and fix things. I should've just quit while I was ahead."
"Listen," She continued, "I know where you are Gordon, I used to feel what you are feeling when I was younger, when my parents divorced and I didn't know what to do, Helpless and Confused at the World, Angry that you're not in control. I took drugs and got involved with crime. In fact, I was going to do what you're trying to do now, I tried to end it all too."
Strickland suddenly felt surprised, along with a hint of guilt and ungratefulness wash over him, as he compared what was going wrong for him to what he was hearing from this woman.
He asked "What did you do then? How did you become an officer?".
Joyce answered, feeling hopeful that she was getting somewhere with him, "Well, when I was arrested for assaulting a shopkeeper when I was 17, I decided to just, well, not give into my habbits anymore. I shut away my friends who introduced and encouraged my criminal life, I distracted myself with different hobbies like painting or music, and I started to take classes on how to become a Cop."
The man's second thoughts were now seriously getting to him, like he was allowing his bipolar and anxiety get to him and control him, telling him things that were not true, and causing him to make rash and unwise decisions. He then had a little hope spark up in him. Maybe I could turn this all around, maybe, his life wouldn't end tonight.
He looked up at her again and asked again, "And did you do this all by yourself?"
"No, I got help from the people at my Rehab, my family, and my friends. Trust me, I felt so much better when I wasn't alone, and I feel like you will too. I can't promise you that you'll be able to pursue your acting career, but promise me, your life has so much more worth, and meaning, than acting."
Finally, after a few more seconds of silence, the sound of wind, sirens, and the slightest sound of human voices from down below. David spoke.
"I want to live. I want to live!"
Joyce, smiling, said "Well, get back inside, you have your whole life ahead of you."
Taking his time, soon enough, the TV star had climbed back inside, as cheers began to come from down below in the streets.
Strickland opened the door and allowed himself to be cuffed by police, who were waiting outside in the hallway. Soon enough, he would be going down the elevator that he intended to make his last trip inside, where he was moved across the lobby, out to the familiar feel of paparazzi, and into the back of a cruiser, which thankfully had specially tinted windows.
He could only hope, hope, that he had made the right choice.
"This is a CBS Special Report, I'm John Roberts, and tonight we are reporting a shocking event that is taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Around 15 minutes ago New York Actor David Strickland, well known for his role in the sitcom Suddenly Susan, climbed out of a several story window of the Flamingo Casino in the South Las Vegas Boulevard area, and is currently, according to police, threatening to jump to his death."
*Shots are shown of Las Vegas, including shots of the Flamingo Casino, in which Strickland can barely be seen standing at the window*
"Strickland had violated his court date and flown to Las Vegas along with fellow comic actor Andy Dick of Newsradio fame, who was reportedly arrested minutes ago for cocaine and cannabis possession, after an anonymous source turned over evidence of such possession over to the Los Angeles Police Department."
*The scene cuts to a female witness, who seems to be shaken*
"Me and my husband were walking out after having a drink at the bar when all of a sudden a bunch of people started shouting and pointing up. We looked up and could see a man at the top climbing of the window and looking like he was going to jump. It was terrifying."
"Strickland, who was known to have suffered from Bipolar Disorder according to his friends and family, has had a troubled history with drugs and alcohol. He was arrested 5 months ago after he was found to have cocaine in his car during a check-up, in which he was forced to go to rehab as a result. Strickland would of have attended a court hearing at the Los Angeles Municipal Court today, but after it became clear that he wouldn't, a warrant was put on him.
Attempts to contact Strickland have so far been unsuccessful by police, although an officer who has said to have been trained to talk to suicidal people is going to arrive on the scene. There is only hope that Strickland will come to his senses, and not jump. We will come back when we have more information. This is John Roberts of CBS News."
- CBS News, as the Strickland Incident was playing out on March 21st, 1999
------
David Strickland stood at the top of the Flamingo Hotel, looking over the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, clutching the window sill behind him strongly as he attempted to calm himself. He did not know why he looked down, why he was just now having second thoughts. He didn't know why he decided to do everything he did previously without a second thought. So many emotions were flying through his head, fear, regret, anger, anxiety. He didn't want to live in this world anymore, but simultaneously, he didn't want to go out like this.
"David!"
Strickland nearly jumped when he heard the voice of another person after several minutes straight of being alone, contemplating on whenever to jump or not. He turned his head to the right to see a woman, with black hair and slightly brown-tinted skin, wearing a police uniform.
"I'm Charlie Joyce of the LVPD, I need you to stay calm."
Strickland groaned and attempted to kep his grip as he quickly realized what was going on "Go away! Just let me die."
"Strickland, trust me, you don't have do this" The woman continued, she was relatively new to the police force compared to her fellow colleagues, but she was known to be skilled in charismatics, and if she could stop one person from killing themselves, then she was not in hell going to let another jump.
"My life is already over! I could have made it as an actor, but I screwed up and ended up as a druggie instead!"
"It isn't! You still have a life to live!"
David growled as he tried to explain to this lady how and why she wasn't going to help him, "I don't think you understand lady, I'm done, I'm finished, I can't go back and fix things. I should've just quit while I was ahead."
"Listen," She continued, "I know where you are Gordon, I used to feel what you are feeling when I was younger, when my parents divorced and I didn't know what to do, Helpless and Confused at the World, Angry that you're not in control. I took drugs and got involved with crime. In fact, I was going to do what you're trying to do now, I tried to end it all too."
Strickland suddenly felt surprised, along with a hint of guilt and ungratefulness wash over him, as he compared what was going wrong for him to what he was hearing from this woman.
He asked "What did you do then? How did you become an officer?".
Joyce answered, feeling hopeful that she was getting somewhere with him, "Well, when I was arrested for assaulting a shopkeeper when I was 17, I decided to just, well, not give into my habbits anymore. I shut away my friends who introduced and encouraged my criminal life, I distracted myself with different hobbies like painting or music, and I started to take classes on how to become a Cop."
The man's second thoughts were now seriously getting to him, like he was allowing his bipolar and anxiety get to him and control him, telling him things that were not true, and causing him to make rash and unwise decisions. He then had a little hope spark up in him. Maybe I could turn this all around, maybe, his life wouldn't end tonight.
He looked up at her again and asked again, "And did you do this all by yourself?"
"No, I got help from the people at my Rehab, my family, and my friends. Trust me, I felt so much better when I wasn't alone, and I feel like you will too. I can't promise you that you'll be able to pursue your acting career, but promise me, your life has so much more worth, and meaning, than acting."
Finally, after a few more seconds of silence, the sound of wind, sirens, and the slightest sound of human voices from down below. David spoke.
"I want to live. I want to live!"
Joyce, smiling, said "Well, get back inside, you have your whole life ahead of you."
Taking his time, soon enough, the TV star had climbed back inside, as cheers began to come from down below in the streets.
Strickland opened the door and allowed himself to be cuffed by police, who were waiting outside in the hallway. Soon enough, he would be going down the elevator that he intended to make his last trip inside, where he was moved across the lobby, out to the familiar feel of paparazzi, and into the back of a cruiser, which thankfully had specially tinted windows.
He could only hope, hope, that he had made the right choice.
Reactions to March 21st
“A man just tried to jump for christ’s sake! Give him some space!” - A police officer escorting David Strickland mere minutes after his suicide attempt, while trying to rid off the paparazzi
"David Strickland and Andrew Dick are currently being held in a county jail away from Las Vegas, but we can confirm that both men are unharmed and are currently both going under treatment. But both will be charged with breaking different laws." - Sherrif of Clark County, Jerry Keller
"Me and the cast of Suddenly Susan are deeply shocked by the recent actions of Strickland, where we hope for his wellbeing and the safety of his family going into the future." - Suddenly Susan creator, Clyde Phillips
"Strickland is my friend, and I will help him get through this." - Suddenly Susan actor and friend of Strickland, Brookes Sheild, after being asked by a reporter on the recent incident
------
The events of March 21st would take America back by surprise, making it one of the most notable events of 1999. Whereas most incidents involving mental health amongst celebrities would be mostly kept private, Strickland's was probably the most public to date. And despite being a relatively unknown actor, Strickland's suicide attempt would bring way more public attention to the use of drug and alcohol use amongst actors and other prominent celebrities. While not doing anything to help stop such activities amongst the higher-ups, the topic became much more widespread talking point somewhat, even long after 1999 came to an end. This also drew the ire of many of those unhappy with the government, pointing out how that many average joes had been arrested en masse for simply owning or being suspected of owning drugs, especially during the Regan-era, while many higher-ups in Hollywood seemingly could easily sneak stuff like cocaine onto sets or at parties.
David would be put on trial for skipping his court date and using drugs, in which he managed to get a lesser sentence of 4 months in prison, and 6 years of probation. Before he would be sent to prison, he would speak to many friends and family, apologizing for his actions and explaining to them how he was planning on completely getting rid of his addictions and habits, and to try and work out his life.
------
Another talking point came with Andy Dick, the actor who brought Strickland to Las Vegas in the first place. Many questioned on why Dick didn't consider Strickland's mental health when making the trip, let alone his legal issues like his court date, and along with that, Dick was confirmed to have used and shared cocaine with others, including Strickland, in which he drew ire for encouraging his addiction which Strickland was arrested in the first place for.
And then, began a disturbing rumor: If Andy Dick gave cocaine to David Strickland, then could he have possibly given some to Brynn Hartman aswell?
Outrage soon followed, with many accusing that Andrew that deliberately, or atleast negligently, causing Brynn's relapse into cocaine, which then resulted in her death in 1998. An investigation was soon launched by police, who had rightfully suspected that Andy Dick and Brynn Hartman had met each other at one time, in which it was revealed that he and her where both at a Christmas Party in 1997 at her home in Encino, Los Angeles.
When questioning the other partygoers, including Brynn's former husband Phillip, they were able to confirm that Dick and Her had met, going into one of the rooms in private at one time. They also concluded that Brynn's relapse did restart around this time. All that it came down to was a confession, which wasn't difficult.
Dick confessed that he did give cocaine to Brynn Hartman on December 25th, 1997, but defended himself by claiming that he had no knowledge of her addiction, and that he himself was under the alcoholic influence at the time. Despite his confession and regret over what he did, Dick would eventually be sentenced to 5 months in prison and 5 years on probation, for drug possession, negligent homicide, and harboring a wanted man. Some believed he deserved worse, while others though the sentence was enough, while few believed that the sentence was too much.
As a result of this conviction, his character Matthew Brooks on Newsradio, was written off, being explained as a 'sudden family emergency', that required him to move away and quit his job. It also didn't help that Phil Hartman was furious about Dick when he found out that he gave Brynn cocaine, with him reportedly becoming isolated from everyone else for a few days after hearing the news and even rumors that he screamed that he was going to kill him.
Along with this, Dick became somewhat of an inspiring punching bag to the entertainment world, with depictions of him in future shows like Family Guy portraying him (or characters designed after him) as negligible, foolish, and reckless, who are obsessed with partying, drinking, drugs, and weird activities.
To say that Dick's career had been tarnished, would be an understatement.
------
Meanwhile, the writers for Suddenly Susan scrambled as they tried to figure out how to deal with David Strickland's absence, to which they decided to retire his character, which was portrayed in the Third Season finale. In that episode, Todd Stiles has gone missing, and throughout the episode, Susan desperately tries to find him. As the episode progresses, Susan learns about a number of good deeds that Todd had done around his neighborhood that she never knew about. Out-of-character interviews with the supporting cast also appear throughout the episode, with each actor sharing their personal experiences they had with Strickland before the incident.
As the episode comes to an end, Todd's favorite song, "Praise You" by Fatboy Slim, plays outside in the street as Susan and her co-workers receive word from police that Strickland had gotten into a car crash, and that due to several undisclosed reasons, cannot go back to work, shocking the crew. Later, Susan receives a phone call from Stiles, telling her and the rest of the crew that he is okay and that he will never forget the times that he, her, and the rest of the crew had, the two say goodbye to each other as the episode closes off with a montage of Stile's funniest moments.
Suddenly Susan would go on to have a polarized fourth season, with certain elements of the show, has changed in the aftermath of Strickland's retirement, but nonetheless, it managed to avoid cancellation, airing its mostly well-received season finale on December 26th, 2000.
------
Dana Plato sat on her couch in her motorhome in Navarre, Florida, looking at her small television as the figure of Strickland re-entered the window of the Flamingo Hotel, as cheers were heard and a relived news reporter called the end of the ordeal a miracale, but Plato wasn't celebrating, she was shaken.
She looked at that bottle of pills to her left, resting on her table. She thought about her addiction to their stuff, and what she would do under them. She grabbed them and with a single throw, landed it in the basket bin.
"Screw, that. I don't want to end up like him."
------
Dino Andrade and his wife Mary were driving home from a day at work, it had been three weeks since they were sitting in the breakroom when the television turned on and showed the 'Strickland Incident', as it had begun to be called by many people, played out on CNN, as the image of a washed-up actor standing on the ledge of a building, while the panicked shouts of people down bellow tried to get his attention, fearing that he may jump any minute.
Dino had noticed over the past few days that her wife had been acting strangely after they watched the scene play out on television alongside their coworkers, she always seemed to be staring off into the distance or having a worried expression on her face, but today, it was more apparent than before. She was currently looking out of the car window, her reflection telling him that she was thinking about something particularly depressing, as the concern on her face told him. He had a feeling that something wasn't quite right about his wife during their marriage, but now something was definitely wrong.
"Mary?" She turned her head quickly to look at him, a little surprise in her eyes.
"Yes?"
The car pulled into their driveway as he asked "Mary, why are you so anxious lately? You've been acting up both at home and at work, is there something wrong, or anything I should know about?".
Mary couldn't really come off with an excuse while they sat in his car, as he was right about her being worried. In her head, the image of that man, standing at the windowsill and looking down at the ground, kept popping up in her mind ever since she saw that broadcast. She then began to imagine if he did jump off from that building and die from the impact crushing his body, which then led to imagining her taking her own life, imagining what would happen afterward. She imagined Dino as Tiffany or one of Strickland's other friends or his family, shaken and scared by what their partner, friend, and relative had tried to do, and then what would happen if they had succeeded, how devasted they would be.
She had a problem, one that existed well before 1999 ever rolled around. But she wasn't going to keep it from him, or anybody else, any longer.
And that was when the sobbing began.
------
While many believe that the Strickland's incident would only affect him and his work, it unknowingly helped get a particularly well-known actress and another struggling one out of their similar problems.
"And...I feel like that if Strickland had not climbed out of that window, I would not be here today. I kinda scared me straight, to be honest, *laughs*"
- Dana Plato, during her appearance on the Howard Stern Show, May 8th 1999
------
"David Strickland and Andrew Dick are currently being held in a county jail away from Las Vegas, but we can confirm that both men are unharmed and are currently both going under treatment. But both will be charged with breaking different laws." - Sherrif of Clark County, Jerry Keller
"Me and the cast of Suddenly Susan are deeply shocked by the recent actions of Strickland, where we hope for his wellbeing and the safety of his family going into the future." - Suddenly Susan creator, Clyde Phillips
"Strickland is my friend, and I will help him get through this." - Suddenly Susan actor and friend of Strickland, Brookes Sheild, after being asked by a reporter on the recent incident
------
The events of March 21st would take America back by surprise, making it one of the most notable events of 1999. Whereas most incidents involving mental health amongst celebrities would be mostly kept private, Strickland's was probably the most public to date. And despite being a relatively unknown actor, Strickland's suicide attempt would bring way more public attention to the use of drug and alcohol use amongst actors and other prominent celebrities. While not doing anything to help stop such activities amongst the higher-ups, the topic became much more widespread talking point somewhat, even long after 1999 came to an end. This also drew the ire of many of those unhappy with the government, pointing out how that many average joes had been arrested en masse for simply owning or being suspected of owning drugs, especially during the Regan-era, while many higher-ups in Hollywood seemingly could easily sneak stuff like cocaine onto sets or at parties.
David would be put on trial for skipping his court date and using drugs, in which he managed to get a lesser sentence of 4 months in prison, and 6 years of probation. Before he would be sent to prison, he would speak to many friends and family, apologizing for his actions and explaining to them how he was planning on completely getting rid of his addictions and habits, and to try and work out his life.
------
Another talking point came with Andy Dick, the actor who brought Strickland to Las Vegas in the first place. Many questioned on why Dick didn't consider Strickland's mental health when making the trip, let alone his legal issues like his court date, and along with that, Dick was confirmed to have used and shared cocaine with others, including Strickland, in which he drew ire for encouraging his addiction which Strickland was arrested in the first place for.
And then, began a disturbing rumor: If Andy Dick gave cocaine to David Strickland, then could he have possibly given some to Brynn Hartman aswell?
Outrage soon followed, with many accusing that Andrew that deliberately, or atleast negligently, causing Brynn's relapse into cocaine, which then resulted in her death in 1998. An investigation was soon launched by police, who had rightfully suspected that Andy Dick and Brynn Hartman had met each other at one time, in which it was revealed that he and her where both at a Christmas Party in 1997 at her home in Encino, Los Angeles.
When questioning the other partygoers, including Brynn's former husband Phillip, they were able to confirm that Dick and Her had met, going into one of the rooms in private at one time. They also concluded that Brynn's relapse did restart around this time. All that it came down to was a confession, which wasn't difficult.
Dick confessed that he did give cocaine to Brynn Hartman on December 25th, 1997, but defended himself by claiming that he had no knowledge of her addiction, and that he himself was under the alcoholic influence at the time. Despite his confession and regret over what he did, Dick would eventually be sentenced to 5 months in prison and 5 years on probation, for drug possession, negligent homicide, and harboring a wanted man. Some believed he deserved worse, while others though the sentence was enough, while few believed that the sentence was too much.
As a result of this conviction, his character Matthew Brooks on Newsradio, was written off, being explained as a 'sudden family emergency', that required him to move away and quit his job. It also didn't help that Phil Hartman was furious about Dick when he found out that he gave Brynn cocaine, with him reportedly becoming isolated from everyone else for a few days after hearing the news and even rumors that he screamed that he was going to kill him.
Along with this, Dick became somewhat of an inspiring punching bag to the entertainment world, with depictions of him in future shows like Family Guy portraying him (or characters designed after him) as negligible, foolish, and reckless, who are obsessed with partying, drinking, drugs, and weird activities.
To say that Dick's career had been tarnished, would be an understatement.
------
Meanwhile, the writers for Suddenly Susan scrambled as they tried to figure out how to deal with David Strickland's absence, to which they decided to retire his character, which was portrayed in the Third Season finale. In that episode, Todd Stiles has gone missing, and throughout the episode, Susan desperately tries to find him. As the episode progresses, Susan learns about a number of good deeds that Todd had done around his neighborhood that she never knew about. Out-of-character interviews with the supporting cast also appear throughout the episode, with each actor sharing their personal experiences they had with Strickland before the incident.
As the episode comes to an end, Todd's favorite song, "Praise You" by Fatboy Slim, plays outside in the street as Susan and her co-workers receive word from police that Strickland had gotten into a car crash, and that due to several undisclosed reasons, cannot go back to work, shocking the crew. Later, Susan receives a phone call from Stiles, telling her and the rest of the crew that he is okay and that he will never forget the times that he, her, and the rest of the crew had, the two say goodbye to each other as the episode closes off with a montage of Stile's funniest moments.
Suddenly Susan would go on to have a polarized fourth season, with certain elements of the show, has changed in the aftermath of Strickland's retirement, but nonetheless, it managed to avoid cancellation, airing its mostly well-received season finale on December 26th, 2000.
------
Dana Plato sat on her couch in her motorhome in Navarre, Florida, looking at her small television as the figure of Strickland re-entered the window of the Flamingo Hotel, as cheers were heard and a relived news reporter called the end of the ordeal a miracale, but Plato wasn't celebrating, she was shaken.
She looked at that bottle of pills to her left, resting on her table. She thought about her addiction to their stuff, and what she would do under them. She grabbed them and with a single throw, landed it in the basket bin.
"Screw, that. I don't want to end up like him."
------
Dino Andrade and his wife Mary were driving home from a day at work, it had been three weeks since they were sitting in the breakroom when the television turned on and showed the 'Strickland Incident', as it had begun to be called by many people, played out on CNN, as the image of a washed-up actor standing on the ledge of a building, while the panicked shouts of people down bellow tried to get his attention, fearing that he may jump any minute.
Dino had noticed over the past few days that her wife had been acting strangely after they watched the scene play out on television alongside their coworkers, she always seemed to be staring off into the distance or having a worried expression on her face, but today, it was more apparent than before. She was currently looking out of the car window, her reflection telling him that she was thinking about something particularly depressing, as the concern on her face told him. He had a feeling that something wasn't quite right about his wife during their marriage, but now something was definitely wrong.
"Mary?" She turned her head quickly to look at him, a little surprise in her eyes.
"Yes?"
The car pulled into their driveway as he asked "Mary, why are you so anxious lately? You've been acting up both at home and at work, is there something wrong, or anything I should know about?".
Mary couldn't really come off with an excuse while they sat in his car, as he was right about her being worried. In her head, the image of that man, standing at the windowsill and looking down at the ground, kept popping up in her mind ever since she saw that broadcast. She then began to imagine if he did jump off from that building and die from the impact crushing his body, which then led to imagining her taking her own life, imagining what would happen afterward. She imagined Dino as Tiffany or one of Strickland's other friends or his family, shaken and scared by what their partner, friend, and relative had tried to do, and then what would happen if they had succeeded, how devasted they would be.
She had a problem, one that existed well before 1999 ever rolled around. But she wasn't going to keep it from him, or anybody else, any longer.
And that was when the sobbing began.
------
While many believe that the Strickland's incident would only affect him and his work, it unknowingly helped get a particularly well-known actress and another struggling one out of their similar problems.
"And...I feel like that if Strickland had not climbed out of that window, I would not be here today. I kinda scared me straight, to be honest, *laughs*"
- Dana Plato, during her appearance on the Howard Stern Show, May 8th 1999
------
- A Wikipedia Article on the Incident, circa 2004
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