For those of us who love competition, the return of sports has helped to fill a void. However, if we are honest, it isn’t the same. Shortened seasons, empty stadiums, and canceled games have watered down the intensity of the competition that we are used to.

But don’t fret. If you count yourself as someone who doesn’t feel like your thirst for authentic competition is being quenched, just wait until tomorrow.

Tuesday night will mark the first presidential debate of this bitter election season. After what has been an extremely unconventional race up until this point, President Donald Trump and Joe Biden will meet in Cleveland to duke it out in front of a television audience that will reach 100 million people.

Biden and Trump will clash tomorrow night.

It has become my custom to write about this competitive spectacle every four years on the eve of the first debate. I did it in 2012 and again in 2016. To me, nothing compares to this unique spotlight that shines on the two people vying for the highest office in the country. The strategy, the preparation, and the attention to detail that culminates in a presidential debate is the ultimate 1-on-1 chess match.

Perhaps tomorrow’s debate will have even more luster than those of the past. As I mentioned above, people are craving a confrontation such as this. They are eager for a high stakes competition that has more on the line than prize money or an asterisk-labeled championship trophy. This country is ready for a primetime battle filled with viral moments. Who will rise to the top?

I know of many friends and family members who are hosting and attending debate gatherings (with social distancing of course). I think this is great! To see people engaged and excited for this American exercise in democracy is encouraging. I hope tomorrow’s debate can generate healthy and civil conversation as we look to either give President Trump a second term or allow Joe Biden to show us what he can do. Make it a priority to watch the debate tomorrow night, folks. Don’t Blink.

Normally, if I watch something I like, I will mention it in a Thursday Rundown blog post. Occasionally, if I watch something that I feel is exceptional, I might devote an entire blog post to it (i.e. Wild, Wild Country). Tonight is one of those nights.

Listen up, if you have any interest in hostage situations, you need to give “Captive” on Netflix a chance. It is an eight-episode series that tells eight different tales of held-against-your-will, all-hope-is-lost situations involving some very unlucky people.

“Captive” on Netflix was really interesting.

From Ohio to Brazil to Somalia to Iraq and several more places, the documentary series will take you to some scary locations with evil individuals. The hour-long episodes will keep you in suspense as you desperately hope for positive outcomes.

But while the episodes will keep you on the edge of your seat, it is the inside look that will make it worth your while. From the negotiators to the kidnappers to the family members to the hostages, you will learn different perspectives, tactics, and motivations.

When trying to negotiate someone’s release, many times you are limited with what you can do and promise. A dose of creativity that goes beyond paying a ransom is needed. By watching “Captive” you will see how negotiators seldom give up and will do whatever is necessary to save a fellow human.

Go inside the head of a kidnapper. Learn how they got involved with the “industry,” how they manipulate and intimidate their victims, and how sometimes (but definitely not always) they might show compassion. That’s right, in some of these episodes they will have interviews with the real kidnappers themselves, giving a glimpse into the minds of some truly sick people.

Make no mistake about it, when these situations occur, family members are held hostage too. The documentary does a fabulous job showing the pain and uncertainty that loved ones are subjected to when a parent, child, or significant other is abducted. Sometimes, the family is catapulted into the role of chief negotiator, amplifying the unbearable stress that much more. You can’t help but feel for them when they are awakened every night at 2:30 a.m. to a phone call from the kidnappers with the latest threats and demands.

But of course the perspective from the hostages is what makes this documentary so captivating. To learn how someone could endure more than a year in some jungle or basement prison is fascinating, horrifying, and inspiring. The insight I received about how they engaged in their own psychological tactics to get the upper hand on their kidnappers was intriguing as well. The long-term effects on these people featured in the episodes varied and some of what you hear will surprise you.

Although the actions in many of the episodes are barbaric, the various moving parts in these unfortunate situations kept my attention. The context given and the participation from many of the key players involved made for riveting television. Give “Captive” a shot and let me know what you think. Don’t Blink.