INT. JAPANESE GAME SHOW SET - DAY
The set is vibrant, filled with flashing lights and oversized, colorful props. An AMERICAN CONTESTANT, mid-30s, stands in the center on a podium, surrounded by an excited Japanese audience. The HOST, a charismatic man in his 40s with a bright suit, is speaking rapidly in Japanese, gesturing toward a giant screen.
HOST (cheerful, in Japanese, subtitled) And now, for our next challenge!
The American contestant looks confused but tries to keep up, nodding and smiling awkwardly. Suddenly, the atmosphere changes. Crew members whisper among themselves, their expressions grave. The host receives a message through his earpiece, his demeanor shifting.
HOST (serious, in Japanese, subtitled) Ladies and gentlemen, we have urgent news to share.
The giant screen flickers and shows the first images of the attacks on September 11. The American contestant stares at the screen, his smile fading, replaced by a look of utter confusion.
AMERICAN CONTESTANT (confused) What’s...what’s happening? Is this...part of the game?
The host, trying to convey the gravity of the situation, speaks slowly in Japanese, using simple words and gestures, pointing to the screen and then to the contestant, attempting to bridge the language barrier.
HOST (trying to be clear, in Japanese, subtitled) America...big problem. Very sad.
The contestant's confusion deepens. He looks back at the screen, then at the host, misunderstanding the imagery as a bizarre, negative consequence of his last action in the game.
AMERICAN CONTESTANT (shocked) I...did I do this?
