Overview
Divided States is a political thriller set in an alternate history where the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and other key government officials in 1865 led to the permanent division of the United States into the United States and the Confederate States. The series explores the societal and political tensions between these two nations on the brink of war, following the lives of two young people from opposite sides of the divide.
Genre: Political Thriller, Alternate History, Drama
Target Audience: Adults interested in political drama, historical fiction, and thought-provoking storytelling.
Tone: Dark, gritty, and suspenseful, with moments of hope and idealism.
Logline: In a world divided by the Civil War, two young people from opposing nations must navigate a path through corruption and conflict as their countries teeter on the brink of all-out war.
Tagline: Divided, we stand.
Themes:
• Corruption and power
• Identity and belonging
• The consequences of war
• The nature of government
• Race and inequality
Characters
• Carter Call: A young, idealistic political aide in New York City. He is ambitious and eager to make a difference, but quickly becomes disillusioned with the corrupt system he finds himself in.
• Marko Matters: A young Black man growing up in Atlanta, Georgia. He faces systemic racism and inequality but is determined to forge a path for himself. Enlists in the Georgian military as tensions escalate.
• President Emily Carter: A powerful and ruthless leader of the United States, with a deep-seated hatred of the Confederacy.
• Governor Thomas Lee: The charismatic and populist leader of Georgia, playing a dangerous game of brinkmanship.
• Senator William Prescott: A veteran politician and mentor to Carter, who harbors dark secrets about the government.
• Lieutenant Colonel Darius Walker: A seasoned officer in the Georgian military, who becomes a mentor to Marko.
Worldbuilding
• United States: A modern, technologically advanced nation with a veneer of democracy masking deep-seated corruption and inequality. The government is centralized and powerful, with a strong military presence.
• Confederate States: A loose confederation of states with a strong emphasis on states' rights and traditional values. The economy is largely agrarian, with a growing industrial sector. Racial tensions are high, and the government is struggling to maintain unity.
Story Structure
The series will follow multiple storylines, interweaving the lives of Carter and Marko with the broader political landscape. Each season will culminate in a major event that brings the two nations closer to war.
Potential Story Arcs
• Carter's rise through the ranks of the political establishment, uncovering corruption and facing moral dilemmas.
• Marko's journey through the Georgian military, confronting his own prejudices and the realities of war.
• The escalating tensions between the United States and the Confederate States, leading to a series of crises.
• The personal relationships between characters, including love, friendship, and betrayal.
Visual Style
The series will use a gritty, realistic aesthetic, with a focus on practical effects and location shooting. The cinematography will be dark and atmospheric, reflecting the tone of the story.
Additional Notes
• The series will explore the impact of the division of the United States on various aspects of society, including culture, economics, and technology.
• The characters will be complex and flawed, making them relatable to audiences.
• The series will strive to present a balanced and nuanced portrayal of both the United States and the Confederate States.
Episode List
Episode 1:
• Introduction to Carter and Marko.
• Establish the divide between the two nations.
• Hint at the underlying tensions.
Episode 2:
• Deepen Carter's world in New York City.
• Introduce corrupt elements within the US government.
• Marko begins his military training in Georgia.
Episode 3:
• Carter's first major political scandal.
• Marko faces racial discrimination within the military.
• A minor border incident escalates tensions.
Episode 4:
• Carter's political star rises.
• Marko becomes disillusioned with the military.
• A cyberattack targets the US infrastructure.
Episode 5:
• Carter is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy.
• Marko is deployed to the border.
• A political assassination attempt rocks the US.
Episode 6:
• Carter must choose between loyalty and morality.
• Marko witnesses the brutality of war.
• A major diplomatic crisis erupts.
Episode 7:
• Carter's reputation is damaged.
• Marko questions his role in the conflict.
• A secret alliance is formed between the two nations.
Episode 8:
• Carter fights to regain his political standing.
• Marko becomes a war hero.
• A false flag operation is planned.
Episode 9:
• Carter uncovers the truth about the conspiracy.
• Marko questions the orders he's given.
• Tensions reach a boiling point.
Episode 10:
• Carter goes public with the conspiracy.
• Marko defects from the Georgian military.
• A major battle erupts at the border.
Episode 11:
• Carter faces political backlash.
• Marko becomes a symbol of resistance.
• The two nations are on the brink of war.
Episode 12:
• A climactic showdown between the two nations.
• Carter and Marko's paths converge.
• The fate of the two nations hangs in the balance.