The second step is the actual “Storming of
the Castle” when the execution of the plan feels foolproof.
Sure it’s a challenge, and there must be some sense in every
Storming of the Castle that “this is crazy.” In fact,
that very line is heard in many Finales just to let you in the
audience know what an impossible task is at hand. “This
can’t be done” is key to setting up the challenge our
heroes face. But as the plan begins to unfold, by gum, we just
might pull off this crazy plan! We’re succeeding! The team is
working together like a well-oiled machine. In many instances this
is also where we pay off the arcs and proofs of growth for the
minor characters, and show how that defect they had at the
beginning of the story is now “fixed” — and even
useful — thanks to the journey the hero dragged his pals
along on. It’s all looking good here. And yet there is a
sense as the goal nears that this is too easy. Sure we’ve
lost some nameless soldiers, who demonstrate their loyalty by
taking a bullet for the team (Randy Quaid in Independence Day, Rhys Ifans in Notting Hill, those way-too-happy-to-die pilots in
Star Wars), but the crew is together and the High Tower in
sight.
