The case for Captain Rhodes (he wasn't the bad guy.)
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user-769 — 16 years ago(October 17, 2009 04:41 PM)
This is a very well thought out response, let me answer it point to point.
Yes, it was a civilian operation, the military existed to "facilitate the science team." But, the science team worked as the role of base medic, John and McDermott were radio and pilot. That's why they're technically, from a logistical point of view, the support staff. However, it's safe to assume Martial Law was in effect. Like it or not, missions in the field change. The science team was accomplishing nothing, and Rhodes knew this. He generously gave them more time and they squandered it.
Rhodes was 100% correct when he told them that all they do is use the protection offered by the military, all the while getting his men killed. This was obviously a position held by ALL the soldiers.
With Steele, he obviously didn't like Sarah at all, but their relationship was more of a "You're dumb/You're a bitch" type of irritation. Rhodes and Sarah seemed to really hate each other, and without knowing the back story, I don't know why Rhodes hatred only seemed to be directed to Sarah. I really wish we knew if they had a massive confrontation before Rhodes became commander, or if they actually did have some romantic relationship prior and he resented the fact she was now with Salazar (though I still don't know why Rhodes didn't shoot her the multiple chances he got if he wanted to kill her so bad.)
Rhodes was not a particularly good squad level leader. He seemed to be more of a logistical commander, but didn't do so hot when dealing directly with the men under his command.
If Rhodes had been more strict, things might have gone differently. For one, had he locked Salazar up, Salazar wouldn't have been able to let all the zombies in.
But, in this case I feel it was one of those "hind-sight is 20/20."
If I were in command, I don't know what exactly I'd have done with Salazar. It was unacceptable for Sarah to sedate him without Rhode's permission. I don't know what the day-to-day requirements were of the soldiers, all we know was they were short on men. For all I know, they might not have been able to spare Salazar.
One thing is for damn sure, he should have shot Salazar when he was bitten, but for whatever reason he took Sarah at her word. He actually let the Radioman and helicopter pilot threaten them with guns. He was way too lenient with them.
It really goes back to what I said earlier. Rhodes was not a good squad level commander. Steele (and he even said it) would have shot Salazar then and there (or come back with reinforcements.) Rhodes was being soft on Sarah for some reason, multiple times. I still suspect they had a romantic past or at least some level of connection prior to the movie.
If I were Rhodes, I would have promoted Steele to Sgt, or Squad Leader and let him handle the day-to-day at sub-officer/security level, and then I'd focus on the logistical problems.
I would have approached Fisher and offered him liaison position with authority and basically said
"I don't trust Logan, and Sarah doesn't respect my authority. So Fisher, I am going to grant you military rank, and place you in charge of the science team."
This would have given Fisher a bit more confidence in the military side, and may have made an important ally in keeping Sarah and Logan in check.
Your main contention is the civilian aspect of the situation. Unfortunately, rules of engagement change in the apocalypse. If the civilian team can't produce results, the commanding officer has the authority to pack up and leave. Rhodes never said the science team had to come with him. -
user-769 — 16 years ago(October 18, 2009 02:38 PM)
I'm really glad to see some people really discussing this. I don't think Day of the Dead gets much thought for the most part. And in my opinion when you really watch it, not just look at the screen, but try to understand the characters, it completely changes the movie.
It's almost like watching an entirely new movie when you sit down an analyze it! I also appreciate the time you're taking in your responses.
This may be one of the best IMDB discussions I've seen.
Regarding your answers, you're probably right. The best solution would have been just to say "beep it." -
user-769 — 16 years ago(October 18, 2009 10:37 PM)
The official hierarchy of course was led by Dr. Frankenstein. But in the real world, there is something called Command Override. It allows for military personnel to seize control of ALL operations in a conflict zone. Rhodes was in his authority to balance the loss of men against the mission parameters. Of course we don't know what Acceptable Loss Parameters were in effect.
On a mission, the CO makes the determination to setup acceptable loss ratios (in percentage form.)
If we assume their were 7 soldiers left, and 5 that died plus a CO that would mean they had taken losses at 45% PLUS leadership casualty. From a realism standpoint, there is no way that operation would have continued. That is 22.5% casualty ratio PER YEAR.
Since I think it's safe to say Posse Comitatus wasn't in effect (and Martial Law was) Rhodes was in his right to make demands. Otherwise they wouldn't have sent a military team with them at all, and it would have been civilian security contractors OR they would have had a military commander of rank leading the science team.