Right at the midpoint of my new draft of Sam Bailey, I realize the mistake I'm making.  I realize why I need to start over.

Sam has two very good reasons to come to Boston.  If I only give him one, then the second reason becomes a tool to keep him in Boston, and an opportunity to involve the other characters in his world.

Why not use the additional reveals to thicken the plot and enhance the emotional relationships, rather than confuse the beginning?  Why not use that ammunition in Act II, which will make the script shorter by making the beginning more sleek and efficient, while at the same time giving the script more meat on its bones?

By letting things not be so crazy in the beginning, it also makes it easier for people to become friends with Sam.  Then, when other people start getting mixed up in his business, it gives Sam more incentive to run away from people.

Damn.  Sometimes I can't see the forest through the trees.  I promised myself I could take my time with this draft, and let things come and flow naturally.  At the same time, I'm already thinking about The Glass War, about what to do with The Judgment of Elizabeth Sawyer, and of course I'm dragging ass on SkyChasers...

Clearly it's better to go back to the drawing board now, rather than later.  I'm happy to do it.  At the same time, I wish I had seen this earlier!

As a side bonus, narrowing that focus - for those who know the story, moving from Sam's search for Minor Stockman to the search for the illuminated manuscript - is more specific in it's motivation.  This addresses many of the concerns I brought up in my earlier post, while allowing the mystery of Minor Stockman to fuel the second act.

Maybe Max doesn't even find out who Sam really is until Act III, although it makes a pretty good midpoint.  Maybe instead of having Max come back to Sam, Sam should come back to Max.  Maybe the blood test is something that Sam should ask for.

See what I mean?  The whole thing is restructured!  Plot points are swirling around like the grammar in alphabet soup!  This, my friends, is the dark side of inspiration.  Why can't I just be right the first time?