Episode 2 Discussion [Rewatch]

[lwhite53]

(11-01-2010 02:33 PM)HellsBells Wrote:  Yes, a horrible detail. But why did they shot her so quickly ? They didn't seem the compassionate sort. Surely leaving her alive longer would have tortured Tom more, but I am very glad that the scene was over quickly.

I think this was done more for the audience's benefit than anything else. If they had played it true to the characters, as presented, they would have let her die slowly with Tom watching. But I think the writer and producers realized that would be stepping over the line (or more over the line than already had) and that they didn't need to draw it out to make the point.

I think they went for Helen first because she was a woman. I do agree with JHyde that Tom was clearly the senior officer -- he was older, his body language didn't show fear, he tried to talk them down -- but I really think gender was the defining factor. And since we already know how Osbourne treats his own wife, brutalizing someone else's metaphorical woman is right up his alley -- he was trying to emasculate and dominate Tom, not just get info from him.