Chess in the Stream: The Tourist

(Spoiler-free) Now streaming on HBO Max is The Tourist, a six-episode series about a man who, after a suspicious car accident in the Australian outback, awakes with no memory of who he is.

"The Man" — as he referred to in the series synopsis — searches for clues to his identity along with a companion, Luci. In Episode 2, they turn to a helicopter sightseeing service, run by two colorful brothers, Arlo and Jesse Dobson. When we meet them, they are deeply engrossed in a game of chess.

When I blow up and enhance the image, it appears Arlo, playing Black, has just captured Jesse's queen, and both players appear to have a rook, bishop and three pawns. Though I can't quite place each piece on its proper square, it looks fairly even.

But when we go to the reverse angle, Arlo is moving what looks like a knight. This may be a continuity flub, or perhaps the knight was hidden by another piece in the previous shot. The rest of the board looks correct.

Luci and The Man return hours later. The game has progressed, but not very much. I can make out only the two kings and the Black bishop.

Luci and The Man want to leave on the helicopter immediately, to which Arlo replies, "One second."

Then, in a scene familiar to many a chess player, Luci finds a bold move to end the game quickly.

With the board upended, the following dialogue ensues...

Luci: How about now?

Jesse: That was a seven-hour showdown, and I was just about—

Arlo: No, you weren't, you liar. You can't do anything with a pawn.

Will Jesse and Arlo rematch? Will other characters take up outback chess? Stay tuned.