simologista

[simologista]

The Epilogue

So, the story of Pleasantview: Notes on a Scandal is over. Now it's time for a brief "behind the scenes" post.

After years of playing Pleasantview more or less the same way, I was getting a bit bored, so I decided to make my next playthrough much more unpredictable. I let the ACR (Autonomous Casual Romance) run wild and tried not to interfere too much with the Sims' actions.

And then it happened. Teenage Alexander Goth started flirting with Jennifer Burb. That was something I hadn't seen coming. I watched it with my eyes wide open.

Even more surprising was that the budding romance continued even without my actions (mostly). They were calling each other and so on and finally, it was revealed that they share a three bolt attraction.

How could this be? Well, I was using the turn on and turn off randomizer to get the game even more random and that's what I got:

Alexander's turn ons and turn off are on the left, Jennifer's on the right. It couldn't be more perfect even if I selected them manually.

Despite it being so scandalous (or maybe because it was so scandalous!), they were incredibly fun to play; I think it was the most fun I ever had playing The Sims.

Even though it was fun to play, it definitely does not mean that I endorse or agree with anything that Sims did in the story!

It was so fun that I decided to create this Simblr to tell this scandalous story. I thought that adapting the title of this movie would be perfect, given the similarities of the plot:

So that's how Pleasantview: Notes on a Scandal was born and this is where it ends. Thank you for reading and goodbye.

[simologista]

Episode CL: The End

Alexander convinced Jennifer to trade the fast-paced city life for some fresh air once again. Being "Mrs. Goth of the Goth Manor" proved to be too tempting for her.

Despite being the titular scandal, Alexander and Jennifer's relationship has never had any serious problems. Their marriage has always been a happy one...

...and so has been John and Cassandra's. At her side, John finally found peace and true happiness.

John has always had a good heart and after some time (and gentle persuasion from Cassandra), he even forgave Jennifer, his unfaithful ex-wife...

...which was something Lucy couldn't do. She never forgave either Jennifer or Alexander. She grew distant from her family and made some unfortunate choices while at college. Although they made her life more difficult, they also made her a strong and independent young woman.

Mortimer moved out to Woodland Drive. He adopted a dog called Rufus to keep him company. Rufus was very active, had a strong personality and he always kept Mortimer on his toes. They became great friends.

All was well in Pleasantview. Well, almost...

[simologista]

Episode CXLIX: The Heir

As the evening comes, Mortimer watches the flames dancing in the fireplace.

He knows it could be one of the last such evenings.

The next day he calls Alexander and asks him to come to his old house.

Fortunately, Jennifer had a rare day off so he could go to Pleasantview, feeling rather concerned.

Mortimer: Alexander, I'm old now and the Goth Manor is too big for me to handle. You're my only son and my heir. There must always be a Goth in the Goth Manor! Are you ready to become The Goth of the Goth Manor?

Alexander took a deep breath...

Alexander: Yes, father.

Mortimer: Thank you, son.

Later that day, Mortimer goes to Cassandra and John to visit his new granddaughter Bella, but also to discuss 'business' things.

Mortimer: I'd like to buy your house on 40 Woodland Drive, since it's empty now. I'll pay you well.

John: Sure, we'll be more than happy!

Mortimer: It's a nice place to spend my last days.

[simologista]

Episode CXLVIII: The New Generation

Even pregnancy couldn't stop Jennifer from going to work. Well, actually, it was flying by helicopter.

When not working, Jennifer was spending a lot of time with Cassandra, who was in exactly the same situation.

Cassandra: How do you manage to work during pregnancy? I get tired so easily...

It seems that Jennifer's love of sport and physical exercise has some benefits besides a good figure.

The time surely flies fast and several months later, Cassandra give birth to a daughter. Meet Bella Burb!

Meanwhile, Jennifer's situation became more complex...

Meet Diane Bella Goth (named after Jennifer's mother Diane and Alexander's mother Bella) and Victor Goth (named after Alexander's great-grandfather).

Jennifer's and Alexander's appartment will get much more crowded now. Luckily, just after the birth of the twins, Alexandra grew up.

Grandpa Mortimer paid a visit.

Blowing up the candles (with dad's help)...

...and a growth spurt as proud mom and dad watch.

Alexandra: Yay, they let me eat the cake!

[simologista]

Episode CXLVII: A Party Full of Surprises

Jennifer still revels in being at the top of her career.

In secret, Alexander organizes a party to celebrate her success and her quickly approaching 40th birthday.

When the day comes, their families arrive.

Alexander describes their journey around the world as they wait for Jennifer's return from work.

When she comes, he makes a toast to his accomplished wife in the day of her 40th birthday!

Everyone congratulates Jennifer when suddenly...

...she gets her baby bump! Everyone is surprised - noone more than Jennifer who didn't know she was pregnant.

After the initial shock, Alexander and Jennifer were very happy. They almost lost hope to have another baby.

But that wasn't the end of surprises because just moments later...

...Cassandra got her baby bump as well.

Oh boy, there will be many babies in Pleasantview soon.

[simologista]

Episode CXLVI: Empty Nest

Lucy is counting the days until she can finally move out and go to college. Living in Pleasantview became exhausting for her.

The day has finally come.

John (in his Police uniform) escorted her and gave her final, reassuring hug.

Lucy is now on her own, but hopeful that her life will change for the better.

Back in Pleasantview, John had another reason to celebrate. His son James just grew up to be a toddler.

One of his children has just moved out, so there's an obvious way for John to compensate. As Cassandra is also a family sim, he'll probably have no trouble persuading her to try for another baby.

[simologista]

Episode CXLV: At the Top

Jennifer and Alexander woke up after their last night on Twikkii Island.

They ate the last breakfast, drank the last coffee...

...said 'goodbye' to the hotel staff, and checked out.

Jennifer: Aloha!

Jennifer left the hotel in a very 'Hawaiian' mood, much to her husband's amusement.

When they got back to Downtown, they felt great. They almost knew they could achieve anything they wanted.

As for their vacation bonuses, Jennifer chose 'refreshed', 'productive', and 'industrious' so that she could build her skills and get a promotion faster. Alexander wasn't employed so he chose 'carefree' in place of 'industrious'.

This quickly paid off as Jennifer very soon got her final promotion and reached the top of the business career which was her lifetime want! Despite all the turmoil in her personal life throughout the years, she did it, and did it faster than anyone could've expected.

[simologista]

Episode CXLIV: Honeymoon Pt. III

The next day Alexander and Jennifer decided to do some sightseeing. First they went to South End Beach to see the pirate ship.

Jennifer: Wow, it's really big.

The symbol feared across the seas.

Not scared, Captain Alexander 'Blackmustache' Goth and Jennifer 'Black Pearl' Goth are playing pirates.

Jennifer: Give me your money!

Like a true pirate, Jennifer thinks mostly about profit.

The ghost of the pirate captain Edward Dregg decided to show himself to Jennifer. Although she's not as used to ghosts as Alexander (who is a born Goth), she wasn't afraid of the ghost.

In fact, she befriended Edward's ghost so he could teach her a sea chantey.

Pirate ghost wasn't as scary as walking the plank.

Next, the newlyweds visited Majestic Ruins of Jumbok IV where they soak in hot spring...

...and explored the ancient ruins. During this exploration...

...they found a map to a secret location! It was getting dark so they returned to hotel for another round of trying for baby.

Again, with no success.

On their last full day on Twikkii Island, they decided to explore this 'secret location'.

Jennifer: That's a lot of steps...

Inside, they found a man called Witch Doctor who was trying to fix his broken appliances. He looked very miserable...

Alexander knows a little bit about machines, so he offerred to help.

Jennifer also tried to help.

It took a lot of time, but finally, Alexander fixed all the broken equipment. Witch Doctor was very happy and gave him a voodoo doll!

That was a nice way to end the honeymoon. On the next day, Alexander and Jennifer will head back to Pleasantview.

[simologista]

Episode CXLIII: Honeymoon Pt. II

Jennifer really enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Twikkii Island, but somehow she felt that something was amiss. She couldn't go to work! For her, a day without working is a missed opportunity.

Alexander: Sometimes not working for a few days and just relaxing and charging up the batteries can make you more productive in the long term.

Jennifer considered his words and, ultimately, agreed.

The newlyweds decided to make the most of their exotic vacation by exploring the island. But first, Jennifer wanted to sunbathe for a bit (which meant that Alexander also had to).

Jennifer: You're so pale... You really should get some tan! But don't forget to apply the sunscreen!

After sunbathing, they went for a shopping to a nearby center. "Fashionable and stylish", Jennifer bought some jewelry while Alexander bought a souvenir.

They went on a helicopter tour which resulted in them gaining one logic point (this was one of Jennifer's wants).

After sunset, Alexander wanted to impress his wife by learning how to fire dance. He struggled early so all the spectators quickly went away. Only Jennifer stayed to cheer for him.

After they returned to their hotel, something changed... Now Jennifer wanted to have a baby too!

Alexander welcomed this change enthusiastically and immediately went 'to work'. Although the intended result was not achieved, at least they had some fun to end the day.

[simologista]

Episode CXLII: Honeymoon Pt. I

Jennifer and Alexander decided to go on their honeymoon. They put Alexandra in the car and drove to Pleasantview.

She was mostly busy making faces.

Mortimer: Come to grandpa, little one!

Mortimer will take good care of his only granddaughter.

Alexander and Jennifer then returned to Downtown to make final preparations for their trip.

They hadn't even left Downtown yet, but they were already feeling better.

The journey took longer than they expected and they arrived at their hotel in the afternoon. Alexander took care of the paperwork.

Alexander wanted to relax in their room, but Jennifer insisted on going to the beach while there was still some sun.

A romantic dinner after sunset.

[simologista]

Episode CXLI: It's Fun Being a Dad

Although Alexander became a father at a very young age, he didn't really experience fatherhood until after graduation. But now, he really seems to be enjoying it.

He tries to teach Alexandra a nursery rhyme, but her attention isn't always there.

But, being a dad seems to be so much fun that he wants to have another baby!

Unfortunately (for him), Jennifer is concentrated on networking and building skills so she can get her final promotion and reach the top of business career.

She's not very happy about the idea of having another child (and she's had a husband before who wanted lots of children). She also said that they hadn't had their honeymoon yet. Since going on vacation is something they both want to do, they'll do it soon.

[simologista]

Episode CXL: The Press

Alexander and Jennifer enjoy the bliss of their wedding night.

Alexander: The tabloids wrote about our wedding!

Jennifer: Show me!

Jennifer: "Young genius, Alexander Goth, 24, marries an older bombshell, Jennifer Pleasant, 38". *laughs* Hey, I quite like that!

Alexander: What else did they write?

Jennifer: "Black-haired vixen Jennifer Pleasant weds her young lover Alexander Goth!" *laughs again*

But not everyone was laughing when reading the newspapers...

Lucy: "Jennifer Pleasant seduced her daughter's friend and married him!"

P.S. The newspapers' headlines given above were generated by AI based on the outline of this story. I think they are hilarious :)

[simologista]

Episode CXXXIX: Mr. and Mrs. Goth

Mortimer: Alright, time to go.

Mortimer did indeed have a reason to celebrate.

Yes, Alexander and Jennifer were finally (after all the drama we had witnessed over the previous 138 episodes) tying the knot.

In Bella's memory, her portrait was put on the chair in front of the wedding arch. She'd love to see her only son getting married.

One chair was empty - Lucy (of course) didn't come.

Alexander: I do.

Jennifer: I do.

Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Goth! It's time for congratulations:

Brothers-in-law...

...and sisters-in-law.

Time for obligatory spouse-feeding.

Jennifer: Screw the diet!

The event has attracted some unexpected attention...

[simologista]

Episode CXXXVIII: Everything Is Ready

After a few last-minute touches, Mortimer (with considerable help from Kaylynn) finally finished preparing his manor.

He looked at the manor quite pleased.

Yes, everything was ready.

Mortimer: Here they come.

[simologista]

Episode CXXXVII: Big Cleaning

Mortimer is meticulously cleaning the manor and the garden.

Mortimer: Wait, I'm an old man, I don't have to do it all by myself...

Not much later, she arrived. The (in)famous Pleasantview maid, Kaylynn Langerak.

She quickly got rid of any dirt in the manor (closely supervised by Mortimer).

But why is Mortimer so preoccupied with making his manor clean and shiny? Well, the answer will soon be revealed.

...but not today.

[simologista]

Episode CXXXVI: Take Your Child to Work Day

Cassandra got promoted and felt really good about it. Actually, she felt so good that next day, she decided to take her newborn son with her.

(Here was supposed to be a picture of Cassandra in a pool car with the baby, but I didn't manage to take it...)

This is what I imagine the day would look like:

I wonder if little James will soak up the scientific atmosphere and follow in his mother's (and grandfather's) footsteps.

[simologista]

Episode CXXXV: Family Trip to Pleasantview

Alexander: ...so, is it ok?

Jennifer: I guess. I'll get dressed and you take care of Alexandra.

When they got ready, it was time to go.

To Pleasantview!

After a while, Jennifer parked her car in front of the famous Goth manor. This was their destination. They all went inside.

Mortimer was of course very happy to see his granddaughter and have some heart-to-heart conversation with his only son and his new family.

Alexander: So, deal? - asked Alexander, with his thoughts apparently preoccupied with something (someone) else.

Mortimer: Deal.

But wait, you might ask, what is this deal about? Well, that's for another story.