May 25, 2024
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.
What Happened to Them?
Part I: Notes
You have been investigating this case for a while. Your first major clue was an email that your mother had written to your father, but saved in her "drafts". Unsent.
Trust me
Open eyes
Don't see
Heed lies
Do less
Time flies
Obsess
Don't rise
New voice
Improvise
Odd choice
Compromise
No more
Wrong size
Abhor
Our demise
Equivocate
Cut ties
Please wait
For the prize
It's you
It's you
It's you
It's you
Your investigation spiralled from there.
Part II: Last Chance Saloon
It was three weeks later when you discovered your next major clue: an old tape of some show from the 1980s.
Introducing our first couple—
Ava and Liam met in the most unexpected way. Both were at a crowded city park, Ava lost in her thoughts while sketching, and Liam engrossed in his book. A gust of wind snatched a loose page from Ava’s sketchbook, sending it spiralling into Liam's lap. Intrigued by the delicate, detailed drawing, Liam returned it with a smile, sparking a conversation that would change both their lives.
Their relationship started with a burst of excitement and passion. They shared everything—dreams, fears, and secrets. "Trust me," Liam would often say, and Ava, with her open eyes and trusting nature, believed him completely. They were inseparable, exploring the city, trying new foods, and getting lost in deep conversations. But even in those early days, there were small cracks. Ava sometimes felt Liam was not entirely truthful, sensing that he heeded lies or hid parts of himself.
As months passed, the initial euphoria gave way to the routine. Liam, a workaholic, began to immerse himself in his job, doing less for their relationship. "Time flies," Ava would think as their moments together became rare. She tried to compensate by obsessing over the little time they had, but this only pushed Liam away. Despite her efforts, she couldn't make him rise to the occasion.
Ava's patience was tested as Liam's work brought new people into his life. Ava felt sidelined but tried to support him, convincing herself it was just a phase. She adjusted her expectations, though each compromise felt like a small sacrifice of their love.
Liam's career soared, but their relationship struggled. "No more," Ava declared after yet another cancelled date. Their love felt like the wrong size, something that no longer fit. She abhorred how they had drifted, leading to their demise. They began to argue more, finding fault in every little thing.
Caught between indecision and the need for clarity, Ava began to equivocate. She wasn’t ready to cut ties but knew something had to change. Liam, too, was torn. He asked her to "please wait," promising that the prize at the end would be worth it. They both knew the prize was their love, their once-unbreakable bond.
One evening, after a particularly bitter argument, Ava decided to walk away. "It's you," Liam called out, his voice breaking. "It's you. It's always been you." But Ava had made up her mind. She needed time apart to find herself, to see if their love could survive the space and silence.Q
A year later, Ava returned to the park where it all began. She sat on the same bench, sketching once more. To her surprise, Liam appeared, holding a page from her old sketchbook. "Trust me," he said, his eyes sincere and open. "I've seen my mistakes. Can we start anew?"
In that moment, Ava realised that sometimes, relationships needed to break to be rebuilt stronger. She took the page and his hand, ready to give their love another chance, wiser and more aware of the challenges they would face together.
Liam and Ava have discovered their cycle. They then repeat this cycle many times.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what brought them here today.
To the Last Chance Salon.
Where they will fight it out against other doomed relationships.
Who you will meet after a word from our sponsor—
Static...
The tape ends.
You purse your lips. This was a shocking discovery. You can't quite process what you just watched.
That's not how your parents told you they met. And also, they've removed your existence from their backstory.
This tape is just made up nonsense.
A scroll through Wikipedia revealed that your parents made it to the finals, but were ultmately crushed by another doomed couple. You're not sure how to feel about that.
Last Chance Saloon was cancelled after one season. Today, it has a cult following, who find it's uniquely brutal approach to reality TV appealing.
Part III: The Interviews
It takes you two months to plan your next move.
It starts with Facebook. You find people connected with Last Chance Saloon. You track down the producer's LinkedIn. You ask him if they are willing to participate in a video interview. The speed of his response shocks you, and before you know it, you have an interviewee.
Douglas appears on screen, an older man with a dishevelled look, sitting in a cluttered office. He seems excited and smiles broadly, bridging his fingers.
You: "Hi, Douglas. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
Douglas: "Oh, it's my pleasure! Always happy to talk about the good old days. So, what can I do for you?"
You: "I’ve been learning more about my parents’ time on Last Chance Saloon, but I understand you also worked on another project that involved them?"
Douglas: "Ah, yes! The pilot that never saw the light of day. It was called Unreality. Quite a visionary concept, if I do say so myself."
You: "Can you tell me more about it?"
Douglas: "Absolutely! 'Unreality' was ahead of its time. It wasn't just a reality show—it was reality itself! Your parents were perfect for it. They had this raw, genuine energy. And a willingness to do anything."
You: "What was the premise of this show?"
Douglas is looking at you right in the eye.
Douglas: "We separate a broken family and then see what happens to each of you.
You: "Wait, what?"
Douglas: "I'm sorry for having you cut from your parent's backstory, by the way. I didn't think the family thing fit the tone very well."
You: "What were you saying before?"
He twisted his wrist, flicking his hand.
Douglas: Oh, the disappearance was orchestrated. We gave them both new lives..."
You look away from Douglas's eyes and instead at your webcam.
You: "Jesus. This is insane. My parents disappeared for a TV show? And you think this is... genius?"
Douglas: "Of course! It's revolutionary! Imagine the ratings if it had aired. People love drama, mystery, and real emotions. Your life would've been the ultimate story arc."
You: "This isn’t entertainment. This is my life. My parents... they could be in danger..."
You tail off.
Douglas: "The show was cancelled decades ago, kid. It just turns out that they both provided the new lives I had written for them.
You end the call abruptly, your heart racing.