John Isidore's Awakening

The special's journey from isolated loneliness to a painful understanding of empathy and loss.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Lonely Existence

The Empty Building Morning Routine Isidore wakes in his kipple-filled apartment. He is a special, a chickenhead, unable to emigrate. He works for Van Ness Pet Hospital. The Empathy Box He uses the empathy box to fuse with Mercer. The experience gives him a sense of belonging. He is not completely alone. The Silence He turns off the TV and feels the silence of the world. It is a palpable force, oppressive and alive.

Meeting the Androids

New Friends Pris Stratton Isidore meets Pris, his new neighbor. She is cold but he is thrilled. He offers to help her. The Batys Roy and Irmgard Baty arrive. They are afraid. Isidore offers them shelter. He feels useful for the first time. The Bond He helps them move furniture, sets up the alarm. He is accepted. They are his friends, even if they are androids.

The Spider Incident

Cruelty Revealed Discovery of the Spider Isidore finds a live spider. He is proud. He shows it to the androids, expecting them to share his wonder. The Mutilation Pris cuts off its legs. Isidore is horrified. He tries to stop her, but they laugh. He drowns the spider to end its suffering. The Shock He realizes the androids lack empathy. They are not like him. His world crumbles.

Tomb World and Mercer

Descent and Ascent The Vision Overwhelmed, Isidore sinks into the tomb world. He sees decay and death. The spider crawls across his foot. Mercer's Appearance Mercer appears, admitting the fraud but offering comfort. He restores the spider. Isidore is lifted back. The Lesson He learns that the experience is real, even if the story is not. Empathy is authentic. He is not alone.

Departure

Leaving the Building The Aftermath Deckard kills the androids. Isidore finds Pris's body. He is numb. Decision to Move He decides to leave the building. He cannot bear the silence and the memories. The Spider's Release He releases the spider into the garden. It is a symbol of hope. He walks away, forever changed.

early morning of January 3

morning and evening

night

night

next morning