“Not disintegrating, Alan — digitizing. While the laser is dismantling the molecular structure of the object, the computer maps out a holographic model of it. The molecules themselves are suspended in the laser beam. Then the computer reads the model back out, the molecules go back into place, and… voila!” -Dr. Walter Gibbs (TRON)
When TRON: Legacy came out, we went to see it the very first showing in IMAX 3D. It was so amazing and beautiful! We TRON fans have been waiting for this movie for about 28 years! It was definitely a sight to behold! But, something struck me as off around the third time I watched Legacy…
How Flynn talked about the digitizing laser and Clu’s army potentially invading the User world.
I can understand how I didn’t catch my attention when I first watched it. I was too excited. But first, allow me to explain what caught my attention…
In the first TRON film, Dr. Walter Gibbs explains to us how the digitizing beam works. In short, the laser dismantles an object at the molecular level, and the molecules are suspended in the beam. The program then replays back the information and everything falls back into place. Sounds straight forward. Only problem is that, based on this information, only the object that was digitized can come back since that objects matter is suspended within the digitizing beam.
In TRON: Legacy, Flynn tells us that it is possible for Programs to enter our world through the Gateway; the bridge between the Grid and the digitizing beam. All the Program would need is his disc (the Master Key) and it would be possible.
But, if matter for only Flynn’s molecules are being suspended within the digitizing beam, then where is the matter for the other programs coming from? Matter cannot be created or destroyed, only manipulated. Which means that if matter from Flynn’s body is used for both the materialization of a Program from the Grid and himself, then a few things might happen: 1. Not enough matter for the successful materialization of both parties would potentially result in molecular collapse or not correctly formed beings, or, 2. Only Flynn would materialize since the software recognized the molecular pattern match with the information on his Identity Disc and rejected the foreign code. I’m sure other things might happen, but those are the two that I could think of right off the bat.
Based on established canon information, how could Clu send an army into our world if there is only enough matter stored in the digitizing beam for Sam and Flynn, and that matter COULD POSSIBLY be coded specifically for them?
But wait! Quorra came back with Sam!
That’s right! So, this leads us to believe that the molecules that are suspended within the digitizing beam are neutral and not coded to any one person who crosses into the digital realm. Sam and Flynn go in, and two people come out. That makes sense, since their would be enough matter suspended within the beam for two people, which brings me to another issue… Quorra’s digital DNA which is stored on her disc.
The ending scene in TRON: Legacy is a powerful scene. Every time I watch it, I get a little choked up. But, the main thing that bothers me is the swapping of the Identity Discs. Flynn’s disc is the golden ticket, the Master Key to Program intrusion into the world of the Users. When Clu finally gets his hands on Flynn’s disc, again, he find out that it is actually Quorra’s disc!
Clu with Quorra’s disc just outside the Gateway.
While Quorra had Flynn’s disc all along!
At the Gateway, Quorra hands Sam his father’s disc; The Master Key.
The problem here is that a Programs disc contains everything they are, at least according to how the Grid works in TRON: Legacy. It’s the map of their digital DNA, especially if you happen to be an Iso. According to what we know, the Code for a Program in stored on their disc. This is how Flynn was able to repair Quorra after she lost her arm during the battle at the End of Line club protecting Sam and Flynn. Flynn identified the damaged code and repaired it all by using her disc and then rebooting her. In TRON: Uprising (I’m not sure if this show is considered canon or not), the mechanic Program, Beck altered part of his code to look like TRON to defy Clu’s takeover of Argon City. He then allied himself with TRON himself who added various subroutines to Beck’s code to help aid in his quest to overthrow Clu.
Quorra’s code.
My question is this – how was the digitizing program able to play back Quorra’s digital DNA if Clu had her disc, and she had Flynn’s? Is the actual code of a Program embedded into their “physical” bodies and the discs only act as some sort of flash drive that constantly reads from and writes to in an attempt to maintain a constantly updated copy of the Program’s code? According to the Official TRON Wiki, discs contain ALL that a Program is (http://tron.wikia.com/wiki/Identity_Disc). So, how did Quorra leave the Grid without her disc?
I’m sure that all will be explained in the upcoming TRON 3 which is suppose to continue the adventures of Sam and Quorra in our world. I hope they will explain how she got there without her disc, and how exactly the Iso’s will bring about “a digital frontier to reshape the human condition.” Don’t get me wrong, I love TRON: Legacy, and with the exception of the above, I feel that the TRON films are absolutely perfect in every way! TRON is the ultimate adventure and I feel that it is safe to say that it is every gamer’s dream to be pulled into the game and play it from the “other side!” I know I would love it!
END OF LINE
well there’s another problem: if the atoms are suspended, then for all we know users are just code in human form. the material is suspended. so, how are memories and experience being passed back to the flesh and blood being? i mean, the new neuro-connections in the brain don’t just “manifest”… do they?
This reminds me of something that Kevin Flynn said in the first part of the game TRON: Evolution in response to the Iso’s exhibiting free will… “Free will, man! Try programming that!” But, you do bring up a good point…