The Queen's Gambit [F/F]

[Visna]

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The Queen's Gambit was one of my favorite new shows of 2020 - and I'm hoping to dive back in and expand on the universe and Beth Harmon's character somewhat through writing. I haven't read the books, but I figure there is sufficient material from the show.

Cleo
The first opportunity I think is obvious - recreate the fade-to-black hotel scene between Cleo and Beth and expand on their strange relationship. For this take, I'd prefer to play Beth opposite of a Cleo that, at first, operates somewhat as a lesbian mentor and corruptive force for Beth. I don't imagine anything committed between them, but rather writing a few scenes with large time gaps in between where they seem to appear, disappear, and reappear into the lives of one another.

The European Challengers

My second idea is to introduce new characters, played by myself, opposite of somebody writing as Beth following the conclusion of the series and her victory over Borgov. We would skip ahead a handful of years, where Beth (along with, perhaps, a cast of younger Russian players) are on top of the chess world. However, there are two rising players, inspired by Beth's rise to global stardom as a woman, that are beginning to draw the attention of some.

I'd write as two women from Europe - I am figuring Belgium and Germany - that are drastically moving their way into the upper echelons of chess.

Beth still has most of her same vices as before - addiction, inability to connect with others for long periods of time, arrogance that has grown even more so during her time as world champion. However, like in the show, she has her virtues as well. She's matured, and, unbeknownst to my two characters, she has kept an eye on their careers. Having an interest in other female chess players, given that the era is still very largely misogynistic, she has watched their rapid rise into an upper tier of players just below the world elite.

Like many relationships in the show, I envision their relationships with Beth as complicated. The two chess competitors are extremely close, being practice partners that have become inseparable friends in an environment where many chess masters hope to stop their rise by avoiding practice or advice for them. Because of that environment, they're hardened, ruthless, and cunning in their own way. Their peers in Europe want to avoid another Beth Harmon situation.

The Belgian is skiddish and paranoid. She's a natural, seeing things unlike her peers and taking a creative approach to chess that is unique. She's easily frustrated, but known as being an overly compassionate woman unless pushed into a corner. She idolizes Beth in many regards.

The German is more like Beth - methodical and harsh in terms of her personality. She's only soft and gentle with the Belgian, who she shares a close, nonromantic relationship with. She sees Beth as arrogant, while the German is more humble in her speech (while ruthless in her approach in the game). As such, she has a generally negative view of Beth, while respecting her accomplishments. The older of the pair, she is somewhat of an older sister to the Belgian.

We would follow their budding rivalry through a variety of tournament and city settings. Their first tournament encounters, where both Europeans lose. Scenes at tournaments outside of the game. Passionate and dispassionate sex between Beth and both women. And ultimately Beth's defeat by the hands of one of them at a tournament that shakes her somewhat.

I have a ton of ideas for this one, in terms of scenes and relationship dynamics. Sexually, Beth will largely be the dominant player, so that is a requirement.

[Visna]

Still searching for this! Really high on my cravings list.

[Visna]

Quarterly bump!

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Reviving this!

[Visna]

Trying at this again