MovieChat Forums > Aliens (1986) Discussion > Why not attempt to save Apon and Dietric...

Why not attempt to save Apon and Dietrich?

posted 8 years ago by Mya_Stone
6 replies | jump to latest

After the first encounter with the aliens, Hudson pointed out that sergeant Apon and Dietrich were still alive. I expected Ripley, who knows what becomes of the live victims of the aliens, to be the first to insist on saving them, but she said coldly "You can't help them. You can't. Right now they're being cocooned just like the others". Yet after Newt was taken, Ripley did her best to save her from the same fate.

Were the lives of Apon and Dietrich cheaper than Newt's?

[–] ttaskmaster 8 years ago

At that point, yes they were, especially as everyone else was so highly strung they'd have been very rash in action and gotten themselves killed.

[–] Snake_MacReady82 8 years ago

Because Apone and Dietrich weren't as cute and adoptable as Newt.

Plus, the mission was to rescue the civilians. So it kinda makes sense to go back for Newt.

Thit and thpin!

[–] the_bamboo_spear 8 years ago

In essence, yes. A child, especially one you have strong maternal or paternal feelings for, warrants greater risk to rescue than adult Marines that have willingly chosen a dangerous profession. For instance, I would run into a burning building to save my son, but not to save a fireman I just met, lest my son lose his father. It's the way the world is.

[–] Kruleworld 8 years ago

"I hate to rain on your parade, but we just got our asses kicked, Pal". Hardly the time to mount a rescue mission.

"He's dusted, busted and disgusted, but he's ok"

[–] Mya_Stone 8 years ago

But Ripley did her best to save Newt, alone, facing no less dangers than the marines did, didn't she? Why do you think that was the correct time to make a rescue attempt, but earlier - was not?

[–] brinsonmh 8 years ago

Wasn't there dialogue that said the vital signs were low but they were still alive? I took Ripley's response about can't help them as Ripley knowing the low vitals meant the chest bursters were already developing. She didn't know if Newt might not have had a face hugger encounter and might still be saved. When they found the colonists they were all unconscious until the one opened her eyes and just said "kill me."