Why Did Umbrella Want Jade? Unraveling the Mystery of the Wesker Sister
Umbrella Corporation’s relentless pursuit of Jade Wesker is a central conflict in the Resident Evil series, driving much of the narrative and action. At its core, Umbrella wanted Jade primarily because her blood was crucial to their ongoing experiments and plans. Specifically, Jade’s blood was needed to counteract the effects of the T-Virus in her sister, Billie Wesker. Billie’s blood was tainted by the T-Virus, which, despite initially granting her partial immunity, was causing her to mutate and degrade. Jade’s unique genetic makeup, stemming from her shared heritage with Billie and the experimental “Project W”, provided a rare opportunity for Umbrella to create a viable antidote or treatment to stop Billie’s rapid degeneration. This desperate need for a solution was why Jade became Umbrella’s top target and a valuable commodity. It wasn’t just about capturing Jade; it was about harnessing her specific genetic code to further Umbrella’s agenda.
Umbrella’s Desperate Pursuit: Beyond Just Capturing Jade
Umbrella’s interest in Jade goes beyond a simple capture. While they initially placed a bounty on all New Raccoon survivors, with Jade as their primary target, their motivation evolved. The company’s plan was not just to eliminate threats but also to exploit the unique genetic characteristics of the Wesker sisters. This focus on Jade was driven by several crucial factors:
Billie’s Dependence on Jade’s Blood
As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that Billie’s infected state is not sustainable. She requires a constant influx of genetic material from someone with similar genetics and the same ability to partially resist the virus’ effects. Jade, her twin, was the most logical solution. Umbrella saw Jade’s blood as the key to stabilizing Billie, maintaining their powerful asset, and using Billie’s mutated abilities for their own gain.
Jade’s Unique Genetic Code
The genetic engineering behind the Wesker twins through “Project W” meant that their blood was far from ordinary. It was speculated that Jade might carry specific antibodies or a genetic marker that could be exploited not only to help Billie but also to potentially create more effective bioweapons or cures. In essence, Jade was a walking laboratory for Umbrella.
Jade as a Commodity
Beyond the scientific motivations, Umbrella also intended to use Jade as leverage. The company was seeking to control the West Coast, and Jade’s capture represented a means to gain a significant advantage in negotiations and further solidify their power. Her capture could also be leveraged in other strategic ways within the dystopian world.
The Wesker Sisters: A Twisted Family Dynamic
The twisted familial bond between Jade and Billie also added layers of complexity to Umbrella’s pursuit. It wasn’t just about genetic material but also the complex emotional ties between the two sisters, which Umbrella sought to manipulate and exploit.
Sisterly Betrayal
The culmination of this twisted dynamic is seen when Billie shoots Jade and leaves her for dead, also kidnapping Jade’s daughter, Bea. This act highlights the extent of Umbrella’s influence and Billie’s desperate situation, further emphasizing Jade’s importance to their goals. Billie’s subsequent use of Bea’s blood further underscores the ongoing need for the unique genetic materials present in the Wesker line.
The Emotional Stakes
The pursuit of Jade was more than a scientific endeavor; it was filled with personal betrayal, desperation, and high emotional stakes. This adds a human dimension to Umbrella’s otherwise cold and clinical objectives, making the narrative all the more compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Jade Wesker a villain?
No, Jade Wesker is presented as a protagonist. She fights to survive and protect her daughter in the post-apocalyptic world. While she is often in morally grey situations, her actions are typically in self-defense or for the greater good of her community.
2. Why did Wesker become evil?
Albert Wesker was originally meant to aid Dr. Spencer in developing immortality, but he defected. Wesker believed he was the chosen one to become a god and lead humanity to a new evolutionary stage. His ambition and egomania drove him to become a villain.
3. Why did Billie Wesker turn evil?
Billie’s turn to evil stemmed from being infected by the T-Virus after being mauled by a zombie dog. The infection caused a significant personality change, and she became more ruthless and aggressive. This was further exacerbated by Umbrella’s experiments on her when she was younger.
4. Is Billie immune to the T-virus?
Billie is not completely immune. While she initially shows partial resistance to the zombie-like urges due to early Umbrella experiments, she is still infected. Her condition causes her to mutate and degrade, requiring a constant supply of blood from genetically similar individuals, particularly Jade.
5. What happened between Jade and Billie?
The relationship between Jade and Billie deteriorates to the point where Billie shoots Jade and kidnaps her daughter, Bea. This betrayal highlights the depth of the conflict between the sisters.
6. Could Wesker have survived his apparent death?
Yes, it was revealed that Wesker survived his supposed death due to dormant cells activated by “Project W” and his naturally superior genes. This resulted in his resurrection and enhanced abilities.
7. What virus did Wesker have?
Wesker was infected with a modified version of the T-Virus during “Project W.” He later used the Uroboros virus as a last resort, gaining further power, but only after being weakened by a virus suppressant.
8. Why did Billie shoot Jade?
Billie shot Jade after stating she no longer needed her. This indicates that Billie had already planned to use Bea’s blood and no longer saw Jade as necessary. This was a calculated act driven by her desire to prolong her own life and maintain control.
9. Did Jade Wesker survive being shot?
Yes, Jade barely survived being shot by Billie, showcasing her resilience and determination. It is this survival that will allow her character to likely play a major role in future plot lines.
10. Who does Wesker love?
Wesker’s emotional connections are complicated. He has an apparent infatuation with Rebecca Chambers, but his primary drive was always power and the belief in his superiority. He does not show strong emotional connections to any other character.
11. Why did the crocodile not eat Bea?
The crocodile did not harm Bea because Jade had synthesized pheromones to protect her. However, Billie speculated that the creature might not have attacked her because her own DNA had been tampered with.
12. Why did Umbrella want S.T.A.R.S. dead?
Umbrella wanted to test their bioweapons on highly skilled soldiers like S.T.A.R.S. members to assess their effectiveness. It was also a cover to retrieve the G-Virus during the Raccoon City incident.
13. Who is Wesker’s son?
Wesker’s son is Jake Muller, a mercenary who is immune to many viruses due to his father’s genetic influence.
14. Why didn’t Wesker mutate from the T-virus?
Wesker’s unique genetic makeup allowed him to resist or adapt to certain viruses. His body was able to integrate the t-Virus, granting him superhuman powers while maintaining his human form and intelligence.
15. Why was Wesker black in the Netflix series?
Recasting Wesker as a Black man was a decision made for the Netflix series, offering an opportunity to explore themes related to racial politics and eugenics. However, the series didn’t fully delve into these topics, leaving it as a surface-level change.
In conclusion, Umbrella’s desire for Jade was multifaceted, driven by both scientific necessity and strategic objectives. They saw her as the key to saving Billie, advancing their bioweapon research, and consolidating their power in the dystopian world, with the intricate dynamics of family and betrayal adding depth to their desperate pursuit.