Stratt (PHM) and Ava (Iron Lung) make for an interesting character comparison. Because they're both motivated by doing what they believe is necessary to save the most people. In each case it ends up being at the expense of someone's freedom, and inevitably their life. But the sheer difference between their behavior and why they make the choices they do couldn't be more different.
At the start of Iron Lung, Ava doesn't see Simon as a person. Didn't even bother to learn his name. He's just an expendable resource that they can afford to loose. She doesn't even tell him anything which leads to her team getting blasted with radiation. And despite saying she got no joy out of it, there was a level of retribution that she got from it. There was no other reason to bring up the window being from Filament Station (although that does add an extra layer to the scene where they are talking as it acts as a representation of the incident being the filter through which she sees Simon). The only thing she gives him is false hope, there's no concern or respect on her end for him. He's an other so he doesn't matter in her mind, so who cares about his comfort? Who cares if he dies alone without even his name?
Stratt, on the other hand, knows Grace. It may be just in the professional sense, but he's not a random person who can be throw away. He's a valuable scientist on the project and he was never ment to go anyway. Grace wasn't the first choice. He wasn't even the back up choice. It just came down to the wire and he was the only logical option. And, I think most importantly, GRACE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE ALONE! That was never Stratt's intention. He was supposed to be a part of a crew. They even sent up unnecessary comfort items. His little ball of earth. Vodka. Personal memorabilia. Movies. Entertainment. There's even mentions of suicide pills so they don't have to prolong their suffering. Yes, they're being sent to die, but it's not without dignity.
The comparison between these two characters really shows the difference the intent makes. Yes, they have the same solution for a dire situation. But the how is just as important as the why.
Ava could have tried to bring Simon into the fold of her team could have answered his questions and explained things. They alleged he was working off his sentence to join the COI anyway, so the isolation technically isnt necessary. Likewise, Stratt could have sent the Hail Mary crew up with just what they needed to survive and get the job done, but she didn't.
Things aren't black and white and intention does matter. You can be as calculating as you want, but you don't have to be cruel about it.
Both characters are written beautifully, and great in their own ways. But i do think the comparisons do open an important discussion on ethics and intent. If you gotta kill one to save many, the intent and delivery of that blow does matter.
Just to drive my point home if you had two dogs that need to be put down, does it matter if one gets beat to death and the other is euthanized if they're both dead at the end?
I think it does and I also think that the way Ava and Stratt choose to put down Simon and Grace says a lot about their characters overall.
Thank you for coming to my ramble. Ain't ethics fun?
