Paradox Alert: Let’s Talk About the WandaVision Spoiler
Well, as of today, Friday, March 5th, 2021, the final episode of WandaVision, “The Series Finale,” is now available for streaming on Disney+. Although you probably know the drill by now, as usual, you will want to leave this webpage if you haven’t yet had a chance to see the episode and would like to avoid spoilers.
Looking for something to read in the meantime? Consider Marvel Blog’s review of Demon Days: X-Men #1, which is available from your local comic shop today! Maybe schedule a stop when you swing by the grocery store to get the ingredients you’ll need for your big Westview viewing party.
Ship of Theseus
When Vision (Paul Bettany) and The Vision (Paul Bettany) finally face off against one another, they find that perfectly symmetrical violence never solved a single thing! After battling in the skies over Westview, they end up locked in intellectual debate inside the library.
Now, now. Perfectly symmetrical violence never solved anything. Photo: Fox/Disney/Hulu
In order to subvert The Vision’s programming, which dictates that he must destroy Vision, the synthezoid created by Wanda brings up the concept of the Ship of Theseus (yes, seriously).
This paradox asks: if a ship has each and every plank of which it is composed replaced, is it still the same ship? At what point in the process does it become a different ship – when the last plank is replaced? When 50% of the planks are replaced?
Photo: Marvel Studios
Ultimately, this strategy proves effective: through his logical argument, Vision is able to convince The Vision to allow more of his locked memories to be made available, and with his ignorance alleviated, the silver synthezoid is able to make his own decisions, rather than blindly following his government-made programming.
The Vision’s eyes change as he remembers who he is. Photo: Marvel Studios
As a result, The Vision abandons his attack on Wanda’s family and leaves Westview behind half way through the series finale of WandaVision.
Landru… Apologizes!!
There is a long history of paradoxes being used to overcome the will of robotic entities! Perhaps one of the most famous examples comes from the show that shows us an actual utopia (no mind magic involved): the 1966 classic Star Trek!
“Return of the Archons.” Photo: Paramount
In the Star Trek season one episode “Return of the Archons,” Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the Enterprise are investigating the planet Beta III, where the crew of the Archon disappeared years before. They eventually discover that the civilization on Beta III is ruled by the reclusive Landru. Upon further investigation, Kirk discovers that Landru is actually a computer.
For more Landru check out Star Trek: Lower Decks, “No Small Parts.” Photo: Paramount
Upon making the discovery, Kirk is able to argue that because of Landru’s evil actions, he is obligated to self-destruct. Unable to find the flaw in his argument, the computer complies, and the people of Beta III are saved from his power (for now)!
The Logical Conclusion of WandaVision
While Vision may have successfully repelled The Vision from Westview, that means we now have a synthezoid at large in the MCU! Where will he show up next? We’re not sure, but here at Marvel Blog, we have a sneaking suspicion we haven’t seen the last of him…or the last of many of the WandaVision characters…
Photo: Marvel Studios
