You get to actually see the music video on the TV in the pilot

In the ancient epic poems of old, heroes were often celebrated not just for their deeds, but for their ability to capture the moment, to blend the past and the present into something timeless. Will Estes’s words, “You get to actually see the music video on the TV in the pilot and we have the soundtrack playing at this big party. I thought that was sort of a cool moment, to actually have the A-Ha video is pretty cool,” may seem simple, but they hold a deeper meaning—a moment where the present and past collide, creating something both nostalgic and new. In this moment, the music video and its soundtrack act as a bridge between generations, reminding us that culture, much like history, is passed down through shared experiences, music, and art.

In ancient Greece, the philosopher Plato understood the power of art to shape the soul and reflect the spirit of the age. He believed that music, poetry, and visual storytelling were not merely forms of entertainment, but expressions of a society’s deepest values. Just as the Greek tragedies captivated audiences with their depictions of the human condition, the A-Ha video and its soundtrack serve a similar purpose today: they are a cultural artifact, a snapshot of a particular moment in time that resonates deeply with those who experience it. The music video in the pilot of a modern show, much like the performances in the ancient amphitheaters, holds the power to capture the essence of the time, allowing those who partake in it to reflect on the world around them.

Consider the Renaissance, when art and culture flourished in a way that connected the past with the present. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were not only revered for their masterpieces but for their ability to draw upon the wisdom of antiquity while creating works that were both timeless and innovative. In the same way, the inclusion of an iconic video in a modern setting—whether it be A-Ha’s “Take On Me” or a contemporary track—serves as both a tribute to the past and a way to create a new narrative. It reminds us that culture is fluid, constantly reshaping itself, but always anchored by those who have come before.

Will Estes’s reflection on the A-Ha video brings forth the powerful truth that art, whether in the form of music, visual media, or theater, transcends generations. The inclusion of an old song in a new setting is not merely an act of nostalgia; it is a deliberate act of connection. Just as the ancient Romans used public festivals to create shared experiences and foster a collective identity, the use of a familiar soundtrack today taps into the collective memories of those who grew up with it, while also introducing it to new audiences. This blending of past and present allows for a shared experience that unites us across time and space.

In a world that moves quickly, where the old is often discarded for the new, the ability to look back and celebrate the past while integrating it into the present is a powerful and unifying act. The inclusion of the A-Ha video is a reminder that nothing is ever truly lost. Every era’s music, art, and stories shape the culture of those who come after, and as time moves on, these influences continue to weave themselves into the fabric of future generations. The soundtrack of our lives—whether iconic songs, familiar visuals, or beloved memories—is what gives meaning to the present.

The lesson we must take from Estes’s reflection is this: embrace the past without letting it hinder the future. Celebrate the connections between the old and the new, for it is in those moments of convergence that we find true creativity. Just as the great artists and thinkers of ancient times drew upon the wisdom of their ancestors to create works that resonated across centuries, so too must we look to our cultural heritage—whether through music, art, or literature—as a foundation upon which to build our future. Inclusion of the past in our present isn’t merely an act of nostalgia, but a reminder that our culture is built upon the work of those who have come before us.

Thus, as we move through the ages, let us remember that each generation adds its voice to the eternal melody of humanity. Whether it is through the soundtrack of our lives or the stories we tell, we are all part of an unbroken chain. Just as the A-Ha video evokes powerful memories in one generation while introducing the magic of the past to the next, so too must we honor the gifts of our forebears while creating new experiences that will resonate with those who come after us. The past and the future are not separate; they are interwoven, and it is in this intersection that we find true cultural vitality.