(Super Bowl commercial, 2021)
As an instrumental version of James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" quietly plays, the pickup carrying a young boy and a piglet rumbles away. The drifting dust from the wheels slowly obscures RSD's view of the shoat licking his newfound companion's face.
He sighs, shakes his head and turns back to his TIG.
Five years go by.
Dark clouds now roll through a stormy Texas sky; lightning flashes menacingly. Garth Brooks' "Thunder Rolls" is heard as the camera pans to the leafy ground beneath an pecan tree, where the freak summer storm has felled an immense limb, now laying across the chest of an unconscious RSD. He gasps for each breath as hailstones bounce off his forehead. He is not long for this world.
Suddenly, a snout appears in frame! It's 310 pound Chopper, who was rooting in the area and has recognized his childhood friend. His eyes grow wide as he realizes the gravity of Dan's plight. The boar sizes up the branch, then drops his shoulders.
"He Ain't Heavy - He's My Brother" swells in background. Closeup of six inch whetters driving through the bark to secure a solid purchase, hooves dig into the mud as the monster hog takes the load from his buddy's chest and flings it clear. It rattles down the rocky creek bed.
Dan lies motionless. Raindrops trickle down his face. Chopper nuzzles his side, pushing against RSDs weathered jacket.
Yes! THAT jacket!
Flashback: From juvenile Chopper's POV, the jacket sails through the air, enveloping him. A moment later, the comforting embrace of his first true friend. Chopper's eyes narrow; he pushes more forcefully into Dan's ribs, compelling him to live.
Dan draws a deep breath, then another. He moans, eyes still closed. He's hurt, but will survive.
"You've Got a Friend" plays again, this time triumphantly. Our heroic hog gives a satisfied snort, then strides across the pecan bottom. He stops in a small gap in the brush, pausing for a moment to take one last look back at his forever friend.
PING! The music ceases suddenly. Chopper reels, in slow motion, as the Hornady SST pierces his hide, shattering his spinal cord. A few floundering kicks, and he's gone. Fade to black.
Open with shot of RSD at a kitchen table. He is safe and sound, but wet clothing and fresh scratches on his face reflect his recent ordeal.
A male hand, quite attractive, slides into frame holding a platter of fresh oven baked cookies.
"Don't mind if I do", Dan says. He grabs one and takes a large bite, nodding appreciatively.
"But what's for dinner?"
(Cut to black; LSB logo appears on screen as Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman sing chorus of "You've Got a Friend in Me").
BANG BANG!!
