#a computer that can handle the strain without it becoming more of a frustrating chore instead

[roots-symphony]

The parallels at the end between Helly and Gemma are messing me up

Helly throwing the speaker at Mark/ Gemma hitting the doctor with the chair

Helly running through the halls to get to the stairs while being chased/ Gemma running through the halls to get to the elevator while being chased

Helena turning back around and going inside each time Helly tried to leave/ Ms. Casey turning around to get back on the elevator after Gemma tried to leave

Mr. Milchick being there to greet Helena and encourage her to turn around/ Mr. Milchick being there to greet Ms. Casey and encourage her to turn around

Helly waking up in the elevator and falling to the ground after her suicide attempt/ Gemma waking in the elevator and sliding to the ground after her escape attempt

Helly being greeted by Mark who has been like her guide/ Gemma being greeted by the nurse who has been like her guide

Idk it’s not one-for-one but I just think it’s interesting. The illusion of choice. None of Gemma’s innies have a choice in what will happen to them, not even a chance at rebellion. Gemma herself has more options than them and can even try to fight back, but ultimately is just as trapped. Helly may not know the outside world, but she has more chances to affect it and try to escape, but that doesn’t mean anything because she’s trapped too. Helena seems to have all the choices but is caged just the same, by her name, by her family, by the company. When Helena tries to exert her choice to not go back to the severed floor, she is just as easily rebuffed as Ms. Casey pausing on her way to the elevator.

Lumon’s control is all encompassing at each level, but the further down it goes, the more literal it becomes. Lumon is a cult with their hands in multiple industries. It’s all well and good to rule by fear and unspoken threats and devotion, but it is not infallible. But take away peoples agency? Subjugate people without any ability to know better or speak on their own behalf?

Helena knows her duty, knows where exactly she stands, knows what is at stake, and, most importantly, knows to fear. So she walks back into that elevator even after the second attempt on her life.

Ms. Casey knows nothing but to do as she’s told. So she walks back into that elevator and asks what she’s like out there despite the arrow pointing down.

Hey, don’t want to go through the agonizing process of birth? Or a root canal? Or flying? Don’t worry, with this simple procedure, none of that pain or discomfort will touch you ever again. And what do we get out of it? Don’t worry about it.

Imagine how much easier it is to get followers for your cult when they willingly walk into your house. The whole world will be Kier’s children.