Let's talk about probably one of the most noted ''guest'' characters. (Seeing she's not a major one, I mean.) So, first of all, how many of you thought she was heading for the looney bin after you first saw her? (That being in ''Split Up'') Or was it just when you saw, ''When it Rains''? For me, I thought she was a little nuts in that episode, but didn't quite think she was a much of a loon...until her noted performance. :) So, seeing she was in later episodes, I guess that means Carmen took her back. I gave a reason in my fan fic, whether that is the one or not, we won't know unless we see a story that says so. For those of who didn't read it, in the story, Carmen explains that she figured Sara would snap and sent her into therapy. After that, she was doing a little better, so she took her back. (Feel free to argue your theory.) Overall, Sara's a unique character, and personally, she's one of my faves on the show. (after the major people of course.)
Scott:
Dear Laurie, Well, I have a theory about Sara's insanity. Feel free to dispute this. I believe that when Sara was to steal the time travel information, in other words do grunt fieldwork, she was a tad miffed that Carmen would assign her to do such dangerous work. Stealing top secret information files personally really isn't her forte (remote computer access of course is). This could be looked upon as Carmen's trust in Sara to carry out essentially the linchpin in her time operations, but when she was busted and injured after her bike was destroyed I presume that she began to have a ''slight dislike'' for the red-coated lady. That is when I think she snapped. The episode ''Follow My Footprints'' seems to indicate that Carmen allowed Psycho to return to the Villains International League of Evil. But I believe that Sarah was there because she was in the last will and testament of Carmen Sandiego. She was in ''Trick or Treat'' but that was a cameo role (I think that Sara got her therapy between the two episodes).
Laurie:
Well, yeah, Sara probably was ticked that Carmen gets credit for her work in a sense. After all, Sara makes all of Carmen's gadgets, right? So, Sara wanted some credit, and she just snapped- maybe. Of course, I doubt she liked being imbeded into the fence of Fenway Park. Who would? Other theories anyone?
Kara:
I really didn't think Sara was insane until she gave the performance of a lifetime in "When It Rains". Before that, I thought of her as the only henchperson who actually knew what they were doing. I liked her, and I still do despite her insanity. Scott, your theory seems to be very good. Perhaps when she smacked into the billboard at Fenway she sustained brain dammage. Who knows? But, she is seen doing what she does best in the episode after "Chapter & Verse". I suppose she couldn't have been that angry at Carmen. I really don't believe her insanity was motivated by anger, but extreme jealously. I think her motto was "Carmen gets all the glory, but I do all the work." Although high tech was her forte, I think she always wanted to be Carmen, you know? And after awhile admiration turned to jealously which turned to insanity. I also think she got her therapy after "Footprints". I suppose Carmen felt bad that Sara she was part of the motivation for Sara's insanity. She probably needed her technical help, too. Let's face it, Psycho Sara knows Windows 95! I still don't understand why Carmen kept her in her will. And was anybody else ticked by the fact that none of the henchmen were crying in that episode. They are such a greedy lot. "Who's gonna get VILE?" Figures Zack & Ivy care more about her than her own employees.
Belle Book:
I have two things to say concerning "Psycho" Sara Bellum. First, since I prefer not to
go into theories without any data, I won't guess why Sara went berserk (although the
jealousy theory sounds like the best one, in my opinion). I do have an idea why she
kept Sara in her will, however, although it's just a guess. I do know that the one who
gets the most clues will inherit VILE, so maybe she kept Sara in the will because she
was a former (or newly returned) henchwoman. And though she didn't specifically refer
to Zack and Ivy in the will, I suspect that Carmen included them in the will (by means of
the final caper trick-- which was quite ingenious) because she knew and respected
their abilities.
Laurie:
Well, basically every guess on why she went nuts is as good as any. I think Sara was left in Carmen's will as you said too. I mean, I think Sara was back on VILE then too. Ok, anyone care to follow up this thread with fave Sara quotes? Kara suggested putting a collection of them to the Quote List. Would anybody like to pursue this? I personally like, ''Nice jacket! Maybe I'll get one!'' and of course the ''I'll float it away on massive pontoons and pull off the grandest crime in history! Hee hee hee!!!!''
Scott:
Sara Bellum's insanity has made her perhaps one of the most strangely quotable people on the show. She was, well, one glazed doughnut short of a dozen. Or as I say, three glazed doughnuts. I have decided to add one of my favorite Psycho Sara lines. ''...Then the police will find you here, happy to lock you away for all your past oh so petty crimes! Where on Earth is Sara Bellum has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Hee Hee!'' Well, no. I much prefer ''Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego?'' For one it just sound better. The theme song wouldn't sound quite right. They'd have to say ''Where is Psycho Sara Bellum?''. I am serious, just listen to the rhythm pattern. Two, Psycho doesn't have 10 or so computer games named after her. But, nonetheless, you have to hand it to Sara for at least thinking about it. I find it odd in a way that Sara would refer to Carmen's previous thefts as ''oh so petty crimes''. Makes one wonder what she considers a capital offense.
Laurie:
Be warned, my reply is completely silly. Don't ask why I thought of this, but...remember that old Tootsie Pop commericial? A parody of it ran through my mind when I read your reply. Boy: Mr. Turtle, how many doughtnuts is Psycho Sara missing? Turtle: I never found out without getting wacked by her, ask Mr. Owl. (boy goes to Mr. Owl) Boy: Mr. Owl, how many doughtnuts is Psycho Sara missing? Owl: Let's find out. One...ta-who...a three- *BAM! (Sara whaps the Owl) Owl: (weakly) Three. Annoucer: How many doughtnuts is Sara missing? (*BAM!*) Annoucer: (weakly) The world may never know. Oh well, I hope somebody got a least a chuckle out of that and doesn't think I need to be sent to the looney bin now.
Kara:
LOL!!!! That was funny! :) I got a kick out of that one! Of course, I'm pretty wacked, too. I'm still chuckling over that one. :) Okay, I'll add a Sara quote. "I'd hate to break up this meeting of the "Carmen Sandiego Admiration Society", but I'll be the one collecting all the kudos once the sun comes up." It kinda goes along that line, right? Feel free to correct me on that. Does anyone know the actress who did Sara's voice? I'd sure like to meet here. I bet she had a blast doing her voice. Sara sure got some good lines, and there were plenty of good words said about her as well. :) Besides being described as "one (or three) glazed doughnuts short of a dozen", Sara could also be "One taco short of a combination plate" or "A few buttons short of a waistcoat" Whatever buys your yacht, folks. :)
Laurie:
That's basically how it goes. :) You know, we have Sara to thank for the name of the Carmen fan club? It was Kevin's idea to use that line when naming it! And, as you told me in your e-mail, the way she says, ''Zack-ar-y'' is just so funny. I still think she has a mixed accent- and she did it that way so you couldn't quite put your finger on where she's from. :)
Kara:
Yes, and I had forgotten that "Dumb as a wall" quote until you reminded me of it. I haven't seen that episode in a long time. I remember going up to someone and saying "You know, for a person your age, you really are as dumb as a wall." I had to change it around a bit, since the person wasn't a kid genius. It's so funny that Sara gave us the name of the fan club, isn't it? Oh, and while I am thinking about it, is her name spelled Sara or Sarah? I think it's Sara for some reason, I dunno. Yes, she does have a mixed accent. Who knows, maybe she came from an Italian family living in Brooklyn that moved to rural Romania when she was a girl? Your guess is as good as mine. :)
Meg:
As of reading your "Toostie Pop Parody",[Laurie] I am right now choking on my brunch with laughter! I could just picture Sara smacking the announcer! I've always wanted to do that to those really annoying infomercial announcers! LOL!!
Laurie:
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Sometimes I get some crazy ideas, that's for sure... :)