This episode was one of the most thought-provoking thus far. Blending religion, technology, and the condition of the soul.
Meet Yorkie, a quiet, shy, insecure young woman as she visits the beach town of San Junipero for the first time. Then worlds collide as Yorkie crosses paths with Kelly. Kelly is everything Yorkie is not and we see firsthand the proverb of just how well opposites attract. After their second encounter, Yorkie is faced with the dilemma that she has fallen in love with Kelly as she tries to find her everywhere. On the verge of giving up, it is suggested by a bartender that Yorkie may want to look for Kelly in a different time.
It is only now that we understand the truth about San Junipero. We thought that it was a real place in the here and now, only to discover that it is a computer simulation where you can be whoever you want in whatever era or year you choose. What San Junipero offers is something amazing, it allows its visitors to choose to become permanent residents and achieve digital immortality. For Yorkie, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
We discover that Yorkie is an older woman in a horrible physical condition and it is easy to see why the allure of what San Junipero has to offer is so appealing. Yorkie's mind is sharp and she is very aware of what is going on around her but her body is completely useless making it to where she can't interact with her surroundings or loved ones. She is only able to communicate using a digital assistant limiting her responses and making communication a hassle. San Junipero offers Yorkie the ability to interact with her environment and other people in a way she is otherwise unable to do. It is no surprise when we find out that Yorkie has made the decision for her consciousness to be uploaded into San Junipero.
The honeymoon couldn't last forever. Yorkie is heartbroken when she finds out that Kelly doesn't want to do the same. Kelly's story is much different. Due to Kelly's faith, she is faced with the dilemma of what it would do to her soul if she allowed her consciousness to be uploaded into San Junipero. She is awaiting the day when she sheds her mortal coil and is reunited with her late husband, Kelly is faced with a difficult decision, choosing between her husband, the love of her life, and her newfound love for Yorkie. Ultimately Kelly chooses Yorkie and is uploaded to San Junipero
Now for the Questions.
Given the choice, which decision would you make?
Do you think your soul would be stuck in limbo if you chose San Junipero and Virtual immortality?
How much fun would you have being able to do anything without having to experience the pain in your physical body?
Please include the Why!
Comments always Welcome!
San Junipero