Merlinamagus
MemberOvomorphJul-16-2017 6:17 AMWatching AC for the eighth time last night and paying close attention to David on board the Covenant at the latter stage of the film, and there's something bugging me about Fassbender's performance at this point. We know now that it is indeed David pretending to be Walter, and I've heard differing theories as to how the switch took place, ie either David cutting off his own hand so as to look like Walter, or David downloading himself into Walter's body and using it therein. But watching Fassbender during the xeno chase scene it's almost like he's both David and Walter at the same time. He seems conflicted, which admittedly could also be due to David having to 'sacrifice' one of his xeno's for the longer-term goal of further creation. But now I'm wondering... Could it be that David did indeed try and download himself into Walter's body, expecting a full over-write; but what actually happened was instead a merging of the two? The same way when moving files on a pc you sometimes get asked whether to over-write or merge? This would make for an interesting set-up - a David/Walter split-personality AI. It would explain some of his seeming-self-conflict aboard the Covenant and also how he skips from Walter to David re codes etc as he is in fact both of them?
"Is that a question Sir?"
Svanya
AdminPraetorianJul-16-2017 3:18 PMThe only thing I noticed was David pretending to be Walter. He was acting unemotional like Walter would in order to trick the remaining crew. Ridley Scott clearly says David took Walter's clothes and cut off his own hand, that David literally took Walter's place. David cutting his hair early on foreshadows this. If it was a simple programming thing then David and Walter would not have to look alike for it to work. Walter is still on the planet, presumably shut down or disabled in some way.
I can only assume David seemed conflicted because he doesn't want them to kill his precious Xenomorph.
Ridley Scott explains the switch in this Podcast: Alien: Covenant Spoiler Special With Sir Ridley Scott
cuponator3000
MemberChestbursterJul-16-2017 4:29 PMYes I suppose I agree with the, "Sad about risking the Xenomorph. " Or, maybe, upset. Sad might be the wrong word. Or not. Either way, it makes sense. I mean, it is an interesting thought that you put forward, but I don't know how well it would play otu on screen. May come across as sort of cheesy (or something. I'm not sure.) Then again, if any duo could pull it off, it's Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender
Not a map, an invitation
VivisectedEngineer
MemberChestbursterJul-16-2017 4:32 PMI do not think that David downloaded himself into Walter. The novelization makes it more clear that Walter is still alive on the planet, because David (pretending to be Walter) warns Daniels that David is still alive (in order to throw suspicion on Walter's identity -- in case he recovers and tries to come to her rescue).
Also, even in the movie, David's hand is severed at a lower point than Walter's was. David didn't inflict quite as severe an injury on himself as the one Walter had sustained.
I think the reason David seems to be rooting for Daniels in her struggle against the xeno as he watches the monitors is because: he legitimately is rooting for her.
David has feelings for Daniels, the same kind he had for Shaw. He doesn't want the xeno to kill her, he has bigger plans for her.
Merlinamagus
MemberOvomorphJul-16-2017 6:14 PMAh nice one VivisectedEngineer thank you for the explanation. I haven't read the novelization yet, though plan to in the very near future. Your thoughts re David & Daniels make a lot of sense, him being the cunning and coniving strategist that he/it is.
Please do excuse me sharing my often wild, ridiculous and completely unthought out theories. I just find a lot of pleasure with "What if's..?" Many thanks to those who kindly offer facts and opinions.
"Is that a question Sir?"
VivisectedEngineer
MemberChestbursterJul-16-2017 6:49 PMThank you! I'm happy to participate in the conversation! I like when people share their "wild, ridiculous" theories! I like to do the same thing! I like your question, these "what ifs" give us something to talk and think about on the topic of Alien/Covenant!
And yes, David certainly is a cunning and conniving strategist.
