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Why it makes no sense for Ripley to take the mission
posted by movie_naziSTAFFMOD on September 15, 2023 at 9:12 AM
In the original film, Ripley learns from MOTHER, the A.I. program that runs communications for the ship, that the orders from the company they work for is to bring back the alien for further study even if it means killing the rest of the crew. When Ash tried to murder her, this was at the behest of his programmers. He didn't "malfunction" as Burke said to Bishop. He did exactly what he was programmed to do. Ripley even acknowledges this fact when she reacts to Burke's statement by saying, "Malfunctioned?!" . So why would Ripley accept a job from a company that was willing to kill you? You lost your life with your daughter to boot because of them and then you decide to "Ah well, into the fray once again." ? Seems highly unlikely.
Alien (1979) - 8 outta 10 stars
Aliens (1986) - 8 outta 10 stars
Reply by rooprect
on September 15, 2023 at 11:55 AM
Good point, I never really thought about her motivations. From what I remember, Aliens reframes the story putting Ripley on a vendetta to destroy the creatures. Whereas you'd think her real enemy was the company that sent her to die. Kinda like if a company abandons you at the bottom of the ocean fighting giant sharks and you somehow survive, it would make more sense to go after the company, not dive back to the bottom of the ocean to fight more sharks!
Also if I'm not mistaken, she falls for THE SAME RUSE, this time with the Paul Riser character being the 'Bishop' character who betrays the team. Even though it's an exciting movie with tons of great action, atmosphere & special effects, I think the writers really sleepwalked thru this one.
Reply by tmdb12467608
on September 15, 2023 at 12:09 PM
Ahhh well, women can be irrational people, can't they?!?
I'm only kidding, but seriously, that could be perceived as a plothole, even if Ellen took the job because she needed the catharsis of facing the xenomorphs again.
Reply by movie_nazi
on September 15, 2023 at 12:43 PM
Actually, that is the weak excuse that Cameron mustered up for Ripley to go back which is shown by the nightmares she keeps having. I am watching the extended cut now and they really seem to try and hammer home this point. She feels she needs to face her fears or suffer these nightmares for the rest of her life. Pretty lame IMO.