
What appeals to me about science fiction is taking a hypothetical possibility about our universe and pressing hard on its rational consequences, resulting in antagonists that elicit interesting character behavior and insights about modern life. ME1 had interesting hypothetical possibilities, like what life would be like interacting with its particular brand of alien species, and what it would be like for humans to come late to an intergalactic community.
What frustrates me about ME1+2 is that these interesting hypothetical situations seem to have a role secondary to a seemingly generic one. The great antagonist in ME1+2 comes across as a "destroy it all" species with no reason beyond twirling its mustache, and no approach better than napping while your enemy builds up strength before arriving to zap it. How menacing is an intergalactic threat that hides for decades to construct an incomplete torso you defeat with your pistol?
Alternatives?

My complaint isn't about an "evil" trope. ME has species tropes like the hive-minds (the Flood), the aggros (Klingons), robo-zombies (Borg), logic-lovers (Vulcans), and empaths (Betazoids); but these elements come across as internally logical and consistent. I just wonder why the primary threat to the universe did not.
I had a much more to say about story than I expected, so I'm adding the following topics:
- A Hive Enemy
- My Protagonist
- My Ending
No comments:
Post a Comment