Android Emma - Tumblr Posts
I’m thinking about all the reasons that led to Paul 23 killing the real Emma, and how he varies from the original Paul.
Paul 23 did it because he had more in common with the android than he ever could with the real Emma. Because that’s the one he married, the one that loves him. But… It’s no coincidence that right before he made his choice, real Emma told him she abandoned her boyfriend in Guatemala. She left him because he wanted to get married. Paul will never be able to trust that she’ll love him, that she’ll want the same things as him. He’d never have a sure future with her. He was willing to kill her and take the life he’s guaranteed to have with a murderous android over the hypothetical life with the Emma that had a right to live.
Paul needs certainty and predictability, he just needs the life he planned for. No matter what it takes.
I agree that Paul 23 is more inclined to murder than the original Paul, but his motives are the same. All the reasoning behind his choices make perfect sense within the context of the Paul we know, even if his actions are much more extreme.
Paul is selfish, this is established very quickly in TGWDLM. He chooses things that benefit him over helping other people, that’s the point of his arc. When he chose to go with Bill to help Alice, it’s surprising, because he wasn’t even willing to go see Mamma Mia with Bill to help build his relationship with his daughter. He wasn’t willing to give to the homeless, or join company softball, or go back to get his best friend, who’s having a shitty day, some coffee. He doesn’t go out of his way to help people just because it’s the right thing. Yes, he’s also kind, he’s a good person, he cares about people, but he does also prioritize himself for most of the story. That’s why it’s so huge that he sacrifices his life to destroy the meteor. He grew as a character.
Paul 23 didn’t go through that arc. He didn’t need to save the world. He started his story by killing someone who had a right to live, just so he could have the life he wants. He’s forever going to be the selfish, self-serving office worker from the start of TGWDLM, just… More willing to kill to get what he wants.
The point I’m trying to make is that TGWDLM Paul would have chosen the droid too, I don’t think it’s just because he’s a clone and he saw himself in her. Canonically, all he’s ever really wanted was Emma. He would not give that up in favour of making the ethical choice.
petition to just, be nice to paul
chat is this a dick joke
