Knight Moves

From now on whenever I hear a bugle I will no longer think I'm semi-awake through an episode of Gomer Pyle.

Brad Vice's Tuscaloosa Knights is a startling tale of how two apparently smart people end up going to a Klan rally. It's very disturbing to see how something so terrible as a racist rally with the potential for murder can evoke curiosity, even with those who stand against the ideals.

Pinion is a fine southern man who spends many a day with Marla, his friend's wife. They flirt, drink and smoke on the porch on Queen City. Marla is bored because her husband John is working all the time and has left her to drown in the Druid City. Fortunately, she has some company who could also provide for some sweet adultery action.

The images given in this piece are amazing, depicting sounds of horses with great imagery and language. The way Vice describes the rally makes it as though you are actually there. You can almost smell the incest and degeneration.

What I found most disturbing about this piece is how nonchalant Pinion is towards Puddin, his driver, when Puddin comes back home with some groceries. "I'm too old for this aggravation," he says. Pinion tells him to go inside and get some coffee.

The end of the piece is especially bizarre, seeing as how the horny couple ends up almost doing the nasty in a broken down car while a bunch of Bryce escapees run towards a flaming cross. Christ.