An Ode to a House, The Watcher's Wierdest Bit *Spoilers Ahead*
In Netflix's 'The Watcher', Dean (Bobby Cannavale) and Nora Brannock (Naomi Watts) flee the big apple in hopes to buy their dream home in the secluded suburbs of Westfield, New Jersey (about twenty minutes from my hometown). Although the dangers of living the city-life are past them, the family find themselves in a stalking match with someone who identifies themselves as the Watcher.
The Brannock family find out that there being stalked when Dean gathers the mail one morning and notices an unsual envelope. The letter addressed to 657 Boulevard reads, "Dearest new neighbour at 657 Boulevard, allow me to welcome you to the neighborhood. How did you end up here? Did 657 Boulevard call to you with its force within? 657 Boulevard has been the subject of my family for decades now as it approaches its 110th birthday, I have been put in charge of watching and waiting for its second coming." There's more to the creepy letter; but, I won't ruin the surprise.
'The Watcher' is a true crime series about fixations, gluttony, and preservation. The cherry on top of it all is that this particular series is based on a true story! Although the show shares similarities with it's realistic counterpart, the wierdest part of the show is in regards to a High School English assignment.
It was an English teacher named Roger Kaplan who came up with 'An Ode to a House'. this particular task asked Kaplan's students to find a house they love in the neighborhood and write a few words regarding the estate. The catch with this assignment was that the student's were instructed to make two copies of their message; one for Kaplan and the other for the owner of the corresponding property.
The assignment's origins can be traced back to Kaplan's adolescence. Roger had a peculiar fascination with architechure, the specific craftsmanship of each wooden board, and the minute details of a home interior's artistry. Kaplan's family wasn't as financially stable as his friend's families which probably sparked Roger's love for the niche. Visiting friends gave him the perfect opportunity to gaze at million-dollar mansions. His friends patronized him and called him names for his unusual hobby; however, those bullies never got in the way of Roger's love for residency.
Since Kaplan had an obsession with local houses and taught at Westfield High for over thirty years, the Brannock family thought it was a safe assumption to accuse Roger of being the watcher. I don't want to ruin the show for anyone who hasn't seen it yet; however, the homework assignment has something to say.
Facebook group comprised of former students of Roger Kaplan (Assignment Submissions).
An Ode to a House allows the student to fully divulge themselves into another person's home. They learn to love and appreciate a particular property without ever stepping a foot inside. Kaplan even encourages his students to watch the house from afar; studying every nook and cranny. Although the assignment may seem harmless on paper, the reality of the situation is scary to say the least.
The errand forces the student to snoop another person's home; however, the ball is in the student's court. They decide what house they get to pick (excluding their own). They also get to decide what to write about said property. Although appreciation and admiration are at the forefront of the assignment, the creepy undertones of stalking can't be forgotten. Most if not all of the homeowners were pleased with the letters; however, there were a few that didn't make the cut.
In the midst of episode five, Nora Brannock is greeted by her neighbors Mo and Pearl who vehemently wish to have lunch with her. After refusing countless times, Nora regrettably accepts their offer and joins them for a chat at Pearl's place.
During this conversation, Nora learns that Pearl received an eerie letter about five years ago commenting on her house. The contents of the letter are much shorter and more positive than any of the watcher's letters; leading them to believe that this letter wasn't written by the same stalker who consistently threates the Brannocks. Pearl's letter reads, "Dear Miss Winslow, I love your house. I love looking at it. I love how different it is. Your house is special. I'm so glad you haven't changed it." Whilst there wasn't any threat present in that particular letter, the eerieness remains. Who do you think wrote this letter to Pearl Winslow? Was this a submission from An Ode to a House or was this a more lighthearted affair for the watcher?
Even though An Ode to a House is a harmless assignment that begs the youth to share an interest with their teacher (appreciating architecture); the strange nature of it all can be seen in practice. Especially with the tecnhical advancements of today's society. Recieving mail from someone other than an advertisement agency is foreign to the newer generations. How would you feel if you recieved a similar letter to the one previously mentioned? A piece of advice. Lock your doors and buy some ring cameras.