The Depth of Jor-El’s Decision: Why Man of Steel’s AI Only Guided Kal-El

"Man of Steel" presents a world where Jor-El, the father of Kal-El (Superman), creates an AI representation of himself to guide and protect his son. This decision to not create a similar AI for Lara, Kal-El's mother, can be examined through several lenses: narrative focus, Kryptonian technology, and the characterization of Lara.

Narrative Focus and Jor-El’s Role

The primary narrative of "Man of Steel" emphasizes Jor-El’s role as a father and protector. His AI serves as a guide, providing knowledge about Krypton’s history and the responsibilities that Kal-El will face. In contrast, Lara’s role is more emotional and grounded in her support for Kal-El. While her love and support are significant, they are less directly tied to the overarching narrative of Kal-El's mission on Earth.

Kryptonian Technology and Advanced AI Capabilities

The film suggests that Jor-El’s AI was developed using advanced Kryptonian technology. This might point to the idea that creating an AI for Lara was either not possible with the available technology or not feasible. Jor-El prioritized creating a single guiding force for Kal-El, suggesting that he saw his own guidance as the most critical aspect of Kal-El’s preparation.

Characterization of Lara and Symbolic Representation

Lara is portrayed as a loving and supportive mother, but her role is different from Jor-El’s. Jor-El’s knowledge and insight are paramount for Kal-El, especially given the challenges he will face on Earth. Jor-El’s AI can be seen as a symbol of Kal-El’s heritage and the weight of his Kryptonian legacy. Having a father figure guide him reinforces the themes of identity and belonging that are central to Kal-El’s character arc.

The Technological Limitations and Social Intricacies

While it would have been meaningful for Kal-El to have an AI representation of his mother, the narrative choices in "Man of Steel" emphasize the father-son relationship and the legacy of Krypton as embodied by Jor-El. It is hypothesized that the AI was limited to Jor-El due to Kryptonian societal norms. Kryptonian society, like many complex worlds, has its own ranking and traditions. Therefore, a woman of a lower rank might not have been permitted to have an AI, similar to how certain cultures restrict vehicle ownership to women of a higher social rank.

Additionally, it could be that Jor-El’s AI was placed on the command key because he was the leader of the House of El and a leading scientist, a role that gave him privileges not available to others. It was more crucial for Jor-El to place his own AI on the command key as he knew it was more important that he assist Kal-El in his journey than allowing Lara to have one. This decision highlights the complexity of Kryptonian society and its impact on individual rights and privileges.

In conclusion, Jor-El’s decision to create an AI for himself rather than Lara is a multifaceted choice rooted in narrative focus, Kryptonian technology, and social intricacies. It underscores the central themes of identity, legacy, and the challenges of a new beginning for Kal-El.