Do I cut the green wire or the blue wire?

By the way, did I mention I’m colour blind?

Part 1

We go to the movies in the 97th dilemma, which is based on a film called The Bombmaker (starring Dervla Kirwan). An Irish housewife, and former bomb maker, is re-employed under the threat that her daughter will be killed if she doesn’t build a bomb in London. Throughout the film, she’s frequently reminded of her daughter’s peril.

What should she do?

Get a better agent. I was suddenly struck by the utter stupidity of this story. Why would the terrorists employ her? Were all the other bomb makers on holiday? Anyway, back to the question.

She could tell the terrorists to kill her daughter because the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few (© Mr Spock). Or she could say it’s great to be back at work and thank the boys for such generous maternity leave. Or she could sacrifice herself and blow them all to perdition.

“I don’t want to build you a bomb.”

Shut up or we’ll kill your little girl. Oh, here’s some high explosive and a detonator.
“It wouldn’t be a bomb without them.”
[Kaboom!]

I told you it was a silly story.

Apparently in the real film, the SAS turn up and kill everyone. Rule Britannia.

Part 2

Meanwhile, the daughter goes all Stockholm Syndrome on one of the terrorists who begins to sympathise with his captive. When the order to kill the child comes, the good terrorist kills the bad terrorist, and the girl promises not to grass him up. He’s nicked and the child is brought in to identify him from a line-up.

What should she do?

She owes the guy one and should repay her debt, which she does in the film. On the other hand, he’s part of the gang responsible for her mother’s death, which would motivate her to stitch him up good and proper. But then again, if she’s Irish and the British are the enemy, she doesn’t want to be seen as a collaborator.

Yeah, it’s that stupid storyline.

I have to go back to school now, but we’ll be looking at the ethics of A Clockwork Orange tomorrow. Book your tickets early.