Buster Friendly's Exposé of Mercerism

The TV host reveals the fraud behind the religion of empathy, shaking the beliefs of millions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Hints and Buildup

The Tease Buster's Hints For weeks, Buster Friendly has been promising a sensational exposé. His audience is curious. The show is a constant companion for Earth's remaining population. The Research Team Buster's team has been investigating Mercerism. They have found evidence of a hoax. The research is meticulous, but Buster's motives are not pure; he is an android seeking to undermine the human religion. The Countdown On January 3, Buster announces the exposé will come that night. The waiting builds tension.

The Broadcast

The Revelation The Sky is Painted Buster shows enlargements revealing brushstrokes on the sky of Mercer's world. The moon is a painted backdrop. The stones are soft plastic. Al Jarry A former bit player, Al Jarry, is identified as the actor who played Mercer. He admits the films were made for money. The blood was catsup. The Conclusion Buster declares Mercerism a swindle. The experience of fusion is a lie. The audience is stunned. The androids rejoice; humans are shaken.

Reactions

The Fallout Isidore's Despair Isidore, who has lived by Mercerism, is devastated. He retreats into the tomb world, a vision of decay. But Mercer appears to him, offering comfort despite the fraud. Deckard's Indifference Deckard hears the news but is too exhausted to care. He has already experienced a personal fusion with Mercer. The truth does not change his reality. The Androids' Triumph The androids in the building celebrate. They see the exposé as vindication. But their victory is short-lived, as Deckard arrives to retire them.

days before January 3

evening of January 3

later that night