Spinoff series idea based on Mr. Sunshine
“Late for the Picnic” chronicles Major Kyle Moore’s (David Lee McInnis) memoirs from the years 1905-1945. The story follows Major Moore as he continues his assignment in Japan and becomes a witness to its increasingly horrifying, imperialist ambitions. He often reflects on his years spent in Joseon, and returns there several times prior to the start of WW2 to undertake temporary liaison assignments. During one such assignment he visits the grave of his old comrade Eugene Choi, where he is recognized by members of The Righteous Army, who make contact with him. Major Moore reports this contact to his superiors and is instructed to covertly aid The Righteous Army. He undertakes various missions with them and even finds a Korean lover. Moore lives a charmed life in this capacity, while he watches others die beside him (including his lover). He finally retires from the US military in 1939, having achieved the rank of Colonel. He tries to re-enlist in 1941 after America enters WW2, but is refused due to his age. Finally after Korean independence is achieved in 1945, an elderly Kyle Moore makes one final trip to Korea. As he departs the USA he tells his friends “I’m late for a picnic”, and smiles. He arrives in Hanseong and reunites with a few of his surviving friends from The Righteous Army, including Go Ae-shin, who has survived the war. Kyle passes away shortly after arriving, and (at his request) is laid to rest next to Eugene Choi in the Foreigner’s cemetery in Hanseong. The last scene shows an aged, yet still beautiful, Ae-shin placing flowers on the graves of Eugene and Kyle.