>>96441191>What would have been satisfying about him choosing a post apocalyptic shithole over the home that he has done NOTHING but suffer for?In narrative theory, there's a concept referred to as 'Want versus Need'. It's a common theme in nearly all storytelling and characterization in books, films, television, etc. The basic gist goes something like this: The Want is the thing that the character is initially driven by. It's the thing they're looking for, questing for, seeking, trying to achieve, whatever. It's what motivates the characters actions and decisions most of the story. The Need is the thing that ultimately supplants The Want as the character's motivation in the culmination of their arc and what ultimately drives them in the conclusion and resolution of the story.
In "Up", Carl flies his house to Paradise Falls so he can make the trip he promised to take his wife on, and can live out his final days remembering and mourning her. Carl *wants* to hold onto his house, his things, and his memories of Ellie. Carl *needs* to let go of his grief and live his life. In the culmination of this conflict, Carl literally lets go of the possessions weighing him down, metaphorically letting go of the memories and grief holding him back.
Jack *wants* to return to The Past, and undo The Future that is Aku. Jack *needs* to forgive himself for failing to save the world, his people, and his family in The Past and accept his place as a hero and leader in The Future. The entirety of Season Five of Samurai Jack appeared to be carrying that theme towards its logical conclusion - Jack meets Ashi, and in the process of saving her he forgives himself for not saving The Past and begins to realize there are things worth fighting for in The Future.
Then in the eleventh hour it pulls the narrative rug out from under the audience, flings Jack into the Past, and Ashi and all the people Jack's met and helped and saved vanish. That's just shitty writing.
