What if Dr. Zaius Chose to Help Taylor in 'Beneath the Planet of the Apes'?

In the often-discussed film Beneath the Planet of the Apes, a complex ethical and emotional dilemma arises when Dr. Zaius, a high-ranking orangutan scientist, must confront his loyalties. This essay delves into the character's decision-making process and the potential outcomes if he were to choose to assist Taylor.

The Sequence of Events

The narrative unfolds as the trio of humans—Taylor, Brent, and Nova—are discovered by a gorilla soldier under Grand Central Terminal. The conflict escalates when the soldier reveals Nova's presence. A fierce battle ensues, resulting in the soldier's death. Nova, fatally wounded, passes into the arms of Taylor, who, overwhelmed with grief, expresses despair and anger.

After this tragic event, the focus shifts to Brent's mission: preventing the detonation of the Doomsday Bomb, a weapon built by mankind to be used in a hypothetical global thermonuclear war. This bomb is kept in a secret vault at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, guarded by the last Keeper, the mutant Mendez XXVI.

Dr. Zaius's Dilemma

As the plot progresses, Ursus—in yet another gorilla general—orders his troops to pull the Doomsday Bomb down from its vertical position to the horizontal. Zaius, despite his initial reservations, acknowledges the fate of the bomb and the inevitable death all will face if it is not deactivated.

Brent, seeing the danger, attempts to distract Ursus with gunfire. In the ensuing chaos, Taylor tries to reach the control panel to prevent the bomb from being detonated. However, Dr. Zaius's betrayal is revealed, and Taylor's life hangs by a thread, culminating in his final, tragic act of destruction.

Interpretations and Themes

The film's ending is intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. Was Taylor's attempt to destroy the bomb an act of vengeance or a calculated move to ensure the inevitable? The notion that Taylor deliberately triggers the bomb raises questions about free will and destiny.

Free Will and Destiny: From a philosophical standpoint, the act of triggering the bomb represents an ultimate exercise of free will. If man is created in the image of God, as some interpretations suggest, free will includes both the ability to create and to destroy. This interpretation blends theological and existential themes, suggesting that Taylor's actions are a divine fate rather than a random act.

Ethical Contradictions: Dr. Zaius's decision to choose between his loyalty to the apes and his moral obligations highlights a deeper ethical conflict. His statement about mankind being capable of nothing but destruction perhaps serves as a prophetic warning, emphasizing the inevitable consequences of human hubris.

Conclusion

Dr. Zaius's decision not to help Taylor underscores the moral complexity of the story. Whether Zaius's choice would have altered the outcome is open to debate. This analysis concludes that the film's ambiguous ending leaves room for multiple interpretations, each offering valuable insights into themes of free will, destiny, and moral dilemmas.

Keywords: Beneath the Planet of the Apes, Dr. Zaius, Doomsday Bomb