@Sam --

Ahhh.. "flickers" of the "Old" Sam. That very one who thrilled us with his mastery of language, and the effortless, yet "gentle ease" at which his blade disemboweled ALL who 'dare stood' before him:

"stage presence lying in a hopeless place" <-- Lovely!

"another fast food hit (dripping grease and cheese in earnest)" <-- "Classic" Sam!

Return to us, Sam! Relieve us of this..."hemlock haze" and "devolving" bitches brew!

X,Y,"and Z" -- OUT..!!