Why Does Hank Kill Connor in Detroit: Become Human?
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The relationship between Detective Hank Anderson and the android Connor is one of the most complex and compelling aspects of Detroit: Become Human. Their dynamic ranges from tense and hostile to something akin to a strained friendship. This complexity directly influences whether Hank kills Connor. The simple answer is: Hank kills Connor when their relationship is hostile, specifically during the confrontation in the “Last Chance, Connor” chapter. This occurs when Hank’s trust level with Connor is extremely low, and he views Connor solely as a machine, rather than a partner or even a being deserving of life. Let’s delve into the specifics and nuances of this tragic outcome.
The Hostile Relationship Trigger
The crucial factor determining Hank’s action is the relationship level between him and Connor. This is not a static value but fluctuates based on player choices throughout the game. Hank’s opinion of Connor is molded by how Connor handles investigations, how he interacts with Hank, and how he treats deviant androids.
A hostile relationship is cultivated through choices such as:
- Aggressively pursuing deviant androids: Treating them purely as targets and not acknowledging their potential for sentience will greatly lower Hank’s opinion.
- Ignoring or disregarding Hank’s opinions and feelings: Dismissing Hank’s insights or pushing him too hard to cooperate will further alienate him.
- Prioritizing the mission over Hank’s well-being: Choosing mission-focused options over those which show care for Hank will demonstrate to him that Connor sees him as disposable.
- Showing a cold, unemotional demeanor: Being overly logical and detached, failing to display even a hint of empathy, reinforces Hank’s perception of Connor as a soulless machine.
- Choosing to shoot Chloe at Kamski’s mansion: This particularly brutal choice demonstrates a lack of empathy to Hank, severely damaging their relationship.
If these actions consistently dominate the player’s choices, Hank will view Connor with contempt, leading to a hostile relationship. This state makes the deadly confrontation in “Last Chance, Connor” inevitable.
The Fatal Encounter in “Last Chance, Connor”
During this critical chapter, Hank and Connor are working in the police evidence locker. Connor has been investigating and discovers evidence that leads him to Jericho, the supposed hub of the android revolution. If the relationship is tense or above, Hank will question Connor’s purpose and even pull out his gun. However, at this point, he will generally only threaten Connor and then leave “to get drunker”
However, if the relationship is hostile, Hank will skip any threats and immediately shoot Connor in the head, killing him. This is presented as a sudden and brutal act, showcasing the depth of Hank’s hatred and disappointment towards what he sees as a cold, calculating machine. There is no turning back from this point. This results in the player being unable to complete the game with Connor, losing out on large sections of the story. It also unlocks the “Just A Machine” trophy/achievement.
Factors Contributing to Hank’s Dislike
Several underlying factors contribute to Hank’s potential hostility toward Connor. He has a deep-seated dislike for androids, rooted in his past trauma.
- Loss of his son, Cole: Hank blames android technology indirectly for Cole’s death. Androids were supposed to be the future, but his son died because an android failed to get medical care on time, so he hates them.
- Alcoholism and cynicism: Hank’s past pain fuels his alcoholism and cynicism, contributing to his general distrust of authority and artificial intelligence. He sees Connor as another tool of the systems he despises.
- The perception of Connor as a machine: Hank struggles to see beyond Connor’s robotic exterior. He views Connor as an unfeeling automaton lacking the capacity for emotions or morality.
- Disappointment with Connor’s actions: He views many of the decisions Connor makes throughout the game to be morally questionable. This fuels Hank’s hatred even further.
These elements combine to create a deeply conflicted individual who is easily triggered by Connor’s seemingly unwavering adherence to his programming.
Preventing Hank from Killing Connor
It is important to note that Hank’s action is not inevitable. The player can actively work to build a positive relationship with Hank, preventing his hostile turn. This involves:
- Showing empathy and understanding: Taking time to learn Hank’s past and showing sympathy toward him will help him to open up to you.
- Respecting Hank’s boundaries: It is important to allow him some autonomy. He values personal choice, so do not push him too far.
- Prioritizing his well-being: You should try to protect Hank when given the chance, and listen to him when he is offering advice.
- Being supportive and kind: This will make him feel less alone and help him to see that you are an ally, not just a machine.
- Choosing to spare Chloe at Kamski’s: This will have a positive impact on his opinion of Connor.
By making these choices, the player can foster a more trusting and respectful relationship with Hank, ensuring that he doesn’t see Connor as an enemy.
In conclusion, Hank’s killing of Connor is not a random or predetermined event, but rather the consequence of a series of player choices that lead to a deeply hostile relationship between the two. The outcome underscores the game’s central theme that relationships, choices, and consequences are pivotal in determining the story’s narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Hank kill Connor multiple times?
No, Hank can only kill Connor once, during the “Last Chance, Connor” chapter, if the relationship is hostile. Once he has done this, Connor can’t be brought back for the remainder of the game.
2. Does Connor come back if he dies in the hostage situation?
Yes, Connor will return as a new model with his memories intact. This is a game mechanic that allows the story to continue, but it does not apply to Connor’s death at the hands of Hank.
3. What is the “Just a Machine” trophy?
The “Just A Machine” trophy/achievement is unlocked by having Hank kill Connor due to a hostile relationship, during the confrontation in the evidence locker during the “Last Chance, Connor” chapter.
4. How does Connor’s death affect his deviancy?
Every time Connor dies, he loses a bit of “Software Instability,” making it easier for him to develop deviant behavior. However, being killed by Hank will end the game for Connor, so he can no longer become a deviant.
5. Can Connor become evil or an antagonist?
Yes, Connor can become an antagonist, but it depends on the player’s choices. If the player consistently opts for cold, calculating, and mission-focused decisions, Connor can become a character that is seen as evil, or at least is seen as a bad guy.
6. Is rA9 an android god or a symbol?
rA9 is a symbol invented by androids to provide hope. It is not a genuine religious figure or being, but rather a placeholder for their aspirations for freedom.
7. How do you save Hank during the hostage situation?
You can save Hank by either calling out to him or grabbing the officer’s gun and shooting the deviant. The most successful outcome is to grab the officer’s gun.
8. What is Hank’s password?
Hank’s password is FUCKINGPASSWORD, which gives you access to the evidence collected throughout the game on his computer.
9. How do you find Jericho?
There are two main ways to find Jericho. Either through the evidence you collect at the police station or by shooting Chloe at Kamski’s mansion and asking him.
10. How does saving Hank affect their relationship?
Saving Hank, when given the opportunity, greatly increases his trust towards Connor. This can help with his view of you as a partner and not just a machine.
11. Why is it important to choose the truth option when speaking to Hank in “Last Chance, Connor”?
Choosing the truth option is key to building a better relationship with Hank. It is the only chance to get him to trust you further. However, if he has a hostile relationship with you, even this will not prevent him from killing you.
12. How many endings does Detroit: Become Human have?
While the flowchart has 85 different endings, these tend to overlap. The actual number of unique endings is closer to 40.
13. How can you improve your relationship with Hank?
You can improve your relationship by being apologetic, acting laidback, and not chastising his behavior or work ethic. It is also important to show him empathy.
14. Why does Hank hate androids in the first place?
Hank’s hatred of androids is rooted in the death of his son, Cole, as he feels an android failed to get him medical care quickly enough.
15. Will there be a Detroit: Become Human 2?
A sequel to Detroit: Become Human is hinted at by the announcement of “Human Tokyo Stories,” but its connection to the original game’s storyline is unclear.