Big Questions

Published June 5, 2018 · Updated July 6, 2022

Hi all,

Long time listener, second time e-mailer… Really appreciate the work you do every week, even when half the cast is traveling. Always nice to hear a range of perspectives, even when I yell at my phone in disagreement.

First:

WHAT WAS IN MAEVE’S PURSE AT THE END OF SEASON ONE?!?!?!?!
She is on a loop forcing her to exit the park and infiltrate the mainland, and when she makes a conscious decision to leave the train, the camera lingers on the purse she left behind. Because she was on a loop, SOMEONE must have given her SOMETHING to bring to the mainland.

Second:

IS AKECHATA MAEVE’S HUSBAND?
I just heard this theory mentioned on another podcast (sorry for cheating), and I found it brilliant. It explains why ghost nation keeps going back for Maeve’s daughter, and explains where she might be found after being taken again this time.

Third:

A bit more philosophical: What are they trying to say about free will? God-mode Ford calls it a “mistake” (though possibly an evolutionary one, which –when replicated — has positive effects). I emailed before about the Nolan’s views on freedom and enlightenment in a historical context, given Christopher’s work on the Dark Knight Rises. Now I’m wondering what Jonathan’s commentary is on this idea of freedom. The big change in our own historical context from S1 to S2 is the election of Donald Trump and other right-wing nationalist leaders in Europe. Are Nolan and Joy shifting the political arguments they made in S1 in reaction to this new wave of nationalism and fascism that is springing up around the world?

Would really appreciate your thoughts on any of these!

Thanks all,
Michael C.

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