I'm surprised that no one has mentioned "The Indoctrination Theory" that's going around.
The theory is, basically, that the conversations occurring within the Citadel are not really happening with Anderson and the Illusive Man, but within Shepard's own mind as he tries to resist indoctrination. Here's a link that explains the idea far better than I can: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbghjn7_Byc
There's a lot going for this theory, and it's probably just people grasping at straws to make something meaningful out of the ending. Although I do agree that there are a lot of things that don't make sense: After the Reaper's laser takes you out, the radio chatter makes it pretty clear that the whole force was wiped out, whoever was observing it didn't notice both Shepard and Anderson getting up and heading into the beam? Not to mention the Reaper that was there--getting onto the Citadel is the galaxy's only hope of stopping the Reapers, why would it just kill the one attack force and then stop watching? And then there's your team: Tali and Garrus were in London with me, why did the ending show them aboard the Normandy? And why was the Normandy fleeing through a relay anyway? Joker wouldn't just abandon the final climactic battle that was going to determine whether or not life continued.
There's definitely either something more going on here. Unfortunately it's probably going to be revealed via a $9.99 DLC.
This is clearly a douchebag pulling our strings so they can make more money from ads because people will share this (like I just did).
And here is what AngryJoe thought about the ending.
Warning! Massive spoilers. There are all 9 endings in this video. Playing at the same time so you can see how extremely different they are.
I've heard that one before. The stance is exactly EA's: Eat our entire shit or don't buy it. If IGN wanted to insult its audience, well, good work.
While I wouldn't exactly disagree with all of the points the man makes, his pompous attitude, utter self-righteousness and derogatory manner towards those who chose to protest are telltale signs that his two cents are best ignored altogether. In fact, Moriarty acts so incredibly affected, complete with actual rapper gestures, that I cannot but interpret his show as pure satire.
The man went online, did a little youtube search and pasted an enraged fat man into his video - one who, needless to say, did not present his point of view in the most convincing manner. Meaning "this is you if you don't like the ending". Strawman argument accusation aside, that's just plain bad form.
Colin argues that games are cheaper today than yesterday. I disagree, but I would say they're roughly the same price. Then again, I only know the prices from my own country; and I feel that the freedom EA has taken from me with their DRM would well justify a far, far lower price. In fact, EA should have bought the right to invade my privacy like that at a far higher price than those 50€ I spent on this game and its unused DLC.
Colin Moriarty argues that the customer doesn't have the right to demand another ending. He is right. The customers can voice their disappointment and tell Bioware that they completely dropped the ball. They can even argue that the ending retrospectively ruins the entire series for them. They can ask for another ending in hope that the game will be remedied for them.
But nothing will make these things better, least of all a new ending. Bioware hasn't built up their story towards an ending that matters. As the build-up is missing, how could another ending be more satisfying? The ME3 fans got three random heads to a completely irrelevant body, now the option of a fourth should make things right? Giving in to their fans here would unfortunately be a very stupid idea for Bioware.
I'll put it even more bluntly and hope I won't incite anyone with it: Bioware has proven limited narrative vision with the ME3 endings; add a fourth lame ending and the limited vision might be Bioware's epitaph.
/edit: After watching that last AngryJoeShow video, well, I revised one thought up there. Fans were promised a lot of things that Bioware obviously never had the intent to deliver - and that stuff fans CAN demand. It won't happen, though, for the above-mentioned reasons. But the AngryJoeShow can definitely pride itself with presenting arguments in a calm and convincing manner here. I particularly agree with point #9 (14:09 in the video). Job well done.
I've heard that one before. The stance is exactly EA's: Eat our entire shit or don't buy it. If IGN wanted to insult its audience, well, good work.
While I wouldn't exactly disagree with all of the points the man makes, his pompous attitude, utter self-righteousness and derogatory manner towards those who chose to protest are telltale signs that his two cents are best ignored altogether. In fact, Moriarty acts so incredibly affected, complete with actual rapper gestures, that I cannot but interpret his show as pure satire.
The man went online, did a little youtube search and pasted an enraged fat man into his video - one who, needless to say, did not present his point of view in the most convincing manner. Meaning "this is you if you don't like the ending". Strawman argument accusation aside, that's just plain bad form.
Colin argues that games are cheaper today than yesterday. I disagree, but I would say they're roughly the same price. Then again, I only know the prices from my own country; and I feel that the freedom EA has taken from me with their DRM would well justify a far, far lower price. In fact, EA should have bought the right to invade my privacy like that at a far higher price than those 50€ I spent on this game and its unused DLC.
Colin Moriarty argues that the customer doesn't have the right to demand another ending. He is right. The customers can voice their disappointment and tell Bioware that they completely dropped the ball. They can even argue that the ending retrospectively ruins the entire series for them. They can ask for another ending in hope that the game will be remedied for them.
But nothing will make these things better, least of all a new ending. Bioware hasn't built up their story towards an ending that matters. As the build-up is missing, how could another ending be more satisfying? The ME3 fans got three random heads to a completely irrelevant body, now the option of a fourth should make things right? Giving in to their fans here would unfortunately be a very stupid idea for Bioware.
I'll put it even more bluntly and hope I won't incite anyone with it: Bioware has proven limited narrative vision with the ME3 endings; add a fourth lame ending and the limited vision might be Bioware's epitaph.
/edit: After watching that last AngryJoeShow video, well, I revised one thought up there. Fans were promised a lot of things that Bioware obviously never had the intent to deliver - and that stuff fans CAN demand. It won't happen, though, for the above-mentioned reasons. But the AngryJoeShow can definitely pride itself with presenting arguments in a calm and convincing manner here. I particularly agree with point #9 (14:09 in the video). Job well done.
The angry joe video surprised me alot I would have expected him to go nuts on the endings but instead he presented his argument in a calm reflected manner. And I totally agree with him.
The angry joe video surprised me alot I would have expected him to go nuts on the endings but instead he presented his argument in a calm reflected manner. And I totally agree with him.
His actual review of ME3 was more scathing towards the endings. I suspect he knew that this particular video was something that would get a lot of attention, and in situations like this it's always better to be calm and rational when presenting your arguments.
In all three, Shepard sacrifices his/her life for the good of the galaxy, and I have no idea what could be more of a nice guy action than that.
Actually, in the renegade/red/shoot the thing option, a short teaser-style scene is shown where Shepard draws a breath from underneath some rubble. So, not necessarily dead.
I don't visit BioWare forums (but I've seen what's going on there), but I can actually understand the mods. They need to keep things as civil as possible with all this shitstorm that's brewing all over the internet about ME3 ending, and they're angry enough already. It's not wise to troll an angry mod who doesn't need a freakin' troll while he's doing his job
I don't visit BioWare forums (but I've seen what's going on there), but I can actually understand the mods. They need to keep things as civil as possible with all this shitstorm that's brewing all over the internet about ME3 ending, and they're angry enough already. It's not wise to troll an angry mod who doesn't need a freakin' troll while he's doing his job
I know and I did apologize but nonetheless 24 hours.
I don't visit BioWare forums (but I've seen what's going on there), but I can actually understand the mods. They need to keep things as civil as possible with all this shitstorm that's brewing all over the internet about ME3 ending, and they're angry enough already. It's not wise to troll an angry mod who doesn't need a freakin' troll while he's doing his job
Except everyone over at the Bioware forums have made a real effort to behave themselves while voicing their extreme dislike of the ending. At least that's the attitude that's pervaded the main Retake Mass Effect thread. I haven't really peaked my head out at what's going on in their other forums/threads.
The demands for a new ending are dumb. It won't change anything. You might as well write a fanfic ending; in fact that would probably be more fulfilling.
It's three video games. In a story that has been spread out over half a decade of real time. With some investing hundreds of hours playing and replaying them getting invested in the stories and characters within. That ending throws all of that out the window and provides zero closure for your character, their relationships and the galaxy at large. All of the choices players have made amount to nothing in the end leaving the entire experience feeling hollow where it could have been immensely fulfilling seeing the effects your choices made on the outcome. Instead it has left many with no desire to ever revisit a world they once found great joy in.
It was worth being upset about for a few days at best. In my opinion. There's a lot to be angry at in this world. To let a bad ending to a game series be it, for this long, is burning energy.
Maybe. But this whole Internet movement, let's demand a new ending thing? Better directed at something that will actually impact lives. If all gamers got upset about Jon inequality, we'd have a better tomorrow.
It was worth being upset about for a few days at best.
The game is 60€ or 75 for the Digital Deluxe Edition. That is a lot for many people. How long would you have saved money for that as a kid? Would have taken me 3 months. And you say if it ruins the complete game you should just get over it?
Maybe. But this whole Internet movement, let's demand a new ending thing? Better directed at something that will actually impact lives. If all gamers got upset about Jon inequality, we'd have a better tomorrow.
Stories matter to people, and that is a good thing. All right, I've got a degree in literature, so I'm a BIT biased.
The game is 60€ or 75 for the Digital Deluxe Edition. That is a lot for many people. How long would you have saved money for that as a kid? Would have taken me 3 months. And you say if it ruins the complete game you should just get over it?
The value people place on things is of course entirely up to them. To Vaina's point, stories DO matter, but Internet movemennts didn't start that demanded the author make a new ending. I think the very fact that people feel entitled to do so shows how little worth the story of Mass Effect actually has, where it's fans feel their will supersedes authorial intent.
That aside, you can put your energy into demanding a new ending to a game, or channel that energy into something productive. That's your call.
I think the very fact that people feel entitled to do so shows how little worth the story of Mass Effect actually has, where it's fans feel their will supersedes authorial intent. [...]
That aside, you can put your energy into demanding a new ending to a game, or channel that energy into something productive. That's your call.
Concerning the first point, the fact that I support the fans' protest does not blind me towards the fact that sometimes internet "mobs" demand very stupid things for very stupid reasons. The loudest voices in this 'conflict' are undoubtedly those with the longest and most stupid list of demands, but they do not characterize the general tone of the discussion. They just ease a dismissal on the side of Bioware (present statements indicate, however, that some voices have been heard).
Authorial intent is, in most cases, worth preserving. But I am sincerely unsure whether ME3's ending can be treated as "what the authors wanted". It is so strikingly different from the game series' general philosophy (unite the diverse races) and cut so short that I'd rather presume EA changed the entire finale to save money and make the release date. The ending contradicts almost every promise the designers have made before release. I think they wanted to do something entirely different, but were forced to drop the ending as originally planned for something far, far less expensive and time-consuming.
Of course we could moan about how the same energy people put in their protests would be better attributed to, say, social work. But I will assume that a quarter-hour of discussion a day doesn't really keep you from doing that as well.
"Productive", however, can be interpreted in many ways. I'm waiting for some fans to get together, to write and orchestrate another ending themselves... that would be SOME effort...
Now I would actually be fine with fans producing something. You have to understand I have a Puritan mentality, and for Puritans everything you do, even entertainment, should somehow be productive. That's why for the most part I don't watch movies or play games anymore. I only do so in the contet of doing something else I would consider productive.
Also I understand that puts me in the minority on this issue. I know some of you are very passionate about ME. I hope they release a new ending that makes you smile.
This. Most of those upset with the ending are not just being whiny, entitled fanboys. In fact, they've explicitly attempted to distance themselves from that monicker from day one. The productivity of the Child's Play charity drive is just one example. Those of you claiming otherwise are ill-informed, dismissive pricks. (Hey, how does it feel to be on the other end of a gross generalization for a change? Idiots.)
This. Most of those upset with the ending are not just being whiny, entitled fanboys. In fact, they've explicitly attempted to distance themselves from that monicker from day one. The productivity of the Child's Play charity drive is just one example. Those of you claiming otherwise are ill-informed, dismissive pricks. (Hey, how does it feel to be on the other end of a gross generalization for a change? Idiots.)
You have to admit he does have a point. Most Mass Effect fans are being generalized as all being whiney little cunts, while this might not always be the case.
As i didnt agree with the ending most people complaining are just complaining because other people complained its retarded the game was the best in the series to alot oif people and i wouldnt judge the game over a 5 minue ending which is all it was 5 minutes so to say a 20+ hour game is bad because of the last 5 minutes is just stupid and its a bioware game they almost always leave the endings semi open so they can expand onto it with dlcs and possible xpacs.
But that's the thing. People aren't saying the game is bad. They're saying the ending left a foul taste in their mouth and ruined an otherwise amazing experience.
Also: Would you replay a game which had a terribly out-of-place ending that gave no closure at all? No. That's a big problem in a game with so much choice that it practically begs for multiple playthroughs.
You have to admit he does have a point. Most Mass Effect fans are being generalized as all being whiney little cunts, while this might not always be the case.
In the context of the current discussion I'm urrenty the only person arguing the ending isn't worth stressing over. My final statement simply agreed to state that those who feel its worth devoting energy to have a different emphasis in life than I do. I concluded by wishing them well, while acknowledging our differences on the issue. Then we descended into the linguistically aggressive realm of pricks, idiots and cunts.
I do think there are better things to devote energy to. That won't change. I don't think people stressing this are idiotic prick cunts.
ME1: I really wanted to replay that game the moment it finished.
ME2: I can wait to replay that.
ME3: Haven't bought or played that one yet since it hasn't been released in the only store I buy games in.
The other issue is, the ending is the last thing you see in the game, so naturally it'll be the part which is the most fresh in your memory. It's why endings can make or break games.
I will admit I don't think it's worth all of the uproar it caused though. Ain't the first game that has had a shitty ending, and it certainly won't be the last.
As a person who generally only sees the endings of stuff because he can't be arsed to play any game that is either in first person (I suck at them, get disoriented easily), too long (I have the attention span of something that doesn't have a long attention span) or just plain fucking scary, I can understand the uproar of Mass Effect 3. I myself see it in a certain context.
To me, Mass Effect has always been about choice. At least that's what I keep hearing, haven't played it because I'm too broke for the console versions and the laptop I'm on will combust into a fiery blaze that could potentially kill Chuck Norris. But seeing as Mass Effect always had the tagline of every decision being important to the future and crap, I can see what's so disappointing about the ending.
I mean, let's take the Shepard Indoctrination Theory in account. If that ending is correct, then yeah, it's a damn good ending. But everything you did up to this point is now being thrown away, just to deliver this ending. Nothing you did before will matter to THIS ending. I'm not talking about future DLC, because I'm fairly certain all decision making will be put into this DLC. No, I'm talking about THIS ending. It doesn't give us a real conclusion. If we take the theory into consideration, all we get to see is a rosy future Shepard is halucinating, and one that doesn't even make sense even. I mean, why would Shepard imagine his companions fleeing from battle, just so they can repopulate somewhere else? Why would all Mass Relays need to be destroyed and crap? I mean, it's all in his head, right?
I mean, in this light it doesn't sound deus ex machina per se, but it just seems like some fucked up halucination. Basically he imagines the world being boned. I mean, either that, or the indoctrination attempt attempts to make him imagine these things, or whatever. I mean, the fact that he even sees everything go Baysplosion is strange already. It's not like everything actually happens. The entire section after Shepard's sacrifice just seems either rather pointless or just wrong.
Unless he imagines his companions on a foreign planet because, fuck the rest of the world, at least the ones that matter will be safe from harm. That's the only reason we see that segment. I mean, hey, perhaps in the DLC, they're all dead.
I haven't read the Shepard Indoctrination Theory yet but keep hearing my creative writing instructor's first and foremost advice: "Never end a story with 'and then he woke up' ".
From what I can tell, they'll be expanding each ending and giving them more detail rather than out-and-out changing them, which should hopefully put an end to a lot of people's complaining.
Speculation, sure, but that's what I get from the response.
Comments
No prob I have been busy covering this mess almost forgot that I made that thread thx for moving.
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned "The Indoctrination Theory" that's going around.
The theory is, basically, that the conversations occurring within the Citadel are not really happening with Anderson and the Illusive Man, but within Shepard's own mind as he tries to resist indoctrination. Here's a link that explains the idea far better than I can: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tbghjn7_Byc
There's a lot going for this theory, and it's probably just people grasping at straws to make something meaningful out of the ending. Although I do agree that there are a lot of things that don't make sense: After the Reaper's laser takes you out, the radio chatter makes it pretty clear that the whole force was wiped out, whoever was observing it didn't notice both Shepard and Anderson getting up and heading into the beam? Not to mention the Reaper that was there--getting onto the Citadel is the galaxy's only hope of stopping the Reapers, why would it just kill the one attack force and then stop watching? And then there's your team: Tali and Garrus were in London with me, why did the ending show them aboard the Normandy? And why was the Normandy fleeing through a relay anyway? Joker wouldn't just abandon the final climactic battle that was going to determine whether or not life continued.
There's definitely either something more going on here. Unfortunately it's probably going to be revealed via a $9.99 DLC.
I don't need to remind you why Prince of Persia's ending (the one with the DLC ending) wasn't really well received.
http://uk.ign.com/videos/2012/03/12/mass-effect-3-opinion-video
This is clearly a douchebag pulling our strings so they can make more money from ads because people will share this (like I just did).
And here is what AngryJoe thought about the ending.
Warning! Massive spoilers. There are all 9 endings in this video. Playing at the same time so you can see how extremely different they are.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6M0Cf864P7E
While I wouldn't exactly disagree with all of the points the man makes, his pompous attitude, utter self-righteousness and derogatory manner towards those who chose to protest are telltale signs that his two cents are best ignored altogether. In fact, Moriarty acts so incredibly affected, complete with actual rapper gestures, that I cannot but interpret his show as pure satire.
The man went online, did a little youtube search and pasted an enraged fat man into his video - one who, needless to say, did not present his point of view in the most convincing manner. Meaning "this is you if you don't like the ending". Strawman argument accusation aside, that's just plain bad form.
Colin argues that games are cheaper today than yesterday. I disagree, but I would say they're roughly the same price. Then again, I only know the prices from my own country; and I feel that the freedom EA has taken from me with their DRM would well justify a far, far lower price. In fact, EA should have bought the right to invade my privacy like that at a far higher price than those 50€ I spent on this game and its unused DLC.
Colin Moriarty argues that the customer doesn't have the right to demand another ending. He is right. The customers can voice their disappointment and tell Bioware that they completely dropped the ball. They can even argue that the ending retrospectively ruins the entire series for them. They can ask for another ending in hope that the game will be remedied for them.
But nothing will make these things better, least of all a new ending. Bioware hasn't built up their story towards an ending that matters. As the build-up is missing, how could another ending be more satisfying? The ME3 fans got three random heads to a completely irrelevant body, now the option of a fourth should make things right? Giving in to their fans here would unfortunately be a very stupid idea for Bioware.
I'll put it even more bluntly and hope I won't incite anyone with it: Bioware has proven limited narrative vision with the ME3 endings; add a fourth lame ending and the limited vision might be Bioware's epitaph.
/edit: After watching that last AngryJoeShow video, well, I revised one thought up there. Fans were promised a lot of things that Bioware obviously never had the intent to deliver - and that stuff fans CAN demand. It won't happen, though, for the above-mentioned reasons. But the AngryJoeShow can definitely pride itself with presenting arguments in a calm and convincing manner here. I particularly agree with point #9 (14:09 in the video). Job well done.
The angry joe video surprised me alot I would have expected him to go nuts on the endings but instead he presented his argument in a calm reflected manner. And I totally agree with him.
Actually, in the renegade/red/shoot the thing option, a short teaser-style scene is shown where Shepard draws a breath from underneath some rubble. So, not necessarily dead.
And all of a sudden 24 hour ban LOL
I know and I did apologize but nonetheless 24 hours.
U MAD ? LOL
Except everyone over at the Bioware forums have made a real effort to behave themselves while voicing their extreme dislike of the ending. At least that's the attitude that's pervaded the main Retake Mass Effect thread. I haven't really peaked my head out at what's going on in their other forums/threads.
It's a video game.
The demands for a new ending are dumb. It won't change anything. You might as well write a fanfic ending; in fact that would probably be more fulfilling.
It's three video games. In a story that has been spread out over half a decade of real time. With some investing hundreds of hours playing and replaying them getting invested in the stories and characters within. That ending throws all of that out the window and provides zero closure for your character, their relationships and the galaxy at large. All of the choices players have made amount to nothing in the end leaving the entire experience feeling hollow where it could have been immensely fulfilling seeing the effects your choices made on the outcome. Instead it has left many with no desire to ever revisit a world they once found great joy in.
The game is 60€ or 75 for the Digital Deluxe Edition. That is a lot for many people. How long would you have saved money for that as a kid? Would have taken me 3 months. And you say if it ruins the complete game you should just get over it?
Stories matter to people, and that is a good thing. All right, I've got a degree in literature, so I'm a BIT biased.
The value people place on things is of course entirely up to them. To Vaina's point, stories DO matter, but Internet movemennts didn't start that demanded the author make a new ending. I think the very fact that people feel entitled to do so shows how little worth the story of Mass Effect actually has, where it's fans feel their will supersedes authorial intent.
That aside, you can put your energy into demanding a new ending to a game, or channel that energy into something productive. That's your call.
Concerning the first point, the fact that I support the fans' protest does not blind me towards the fact that sometimes internet "mobs" demand very stupid things for very stupid reasons. The loudest voices in this 'conflict' are undoubtedly those with the longest and most stupid list of demands, but they do not characterize the general tone of the discussion. They just ease a dismissal on the side of Bioware (present statements indicate, however, that some voices have been heard).
Authorial intent is, in most cases, worth preserving. But I am sincerely unsure whether ME3's ending can be treated as "what the authors wanted". It is so strikingly different from the game series' general philosophy (unite the diverse races) and cut so short that I'd rather presume EA changed the entire finale to save money and make the release date. The ending contradicts almost every promise the designers have made before release. I think they wanted to do something entirely different, but were forced to drop the ending as originally planned for something far, far less expensive and time-consuming.
Of course we could moan about how the same energy people put in their protests would be better attributed to, say, social work. But I will assume that a quarter-hour of discussion a day doesn't really keep you from doing that as well.
"Productive", however, can be interpreted in many ways. I'm waiting for some fans to get together, to write and orchestrate another ending themselves... that would be SOME effort...
Also I understand that puts me in the minority on this issue. I know some of you are very passionate about ME. I hope they release a new ending that makes you smile.
This. Most of those upset with the ending are not just being whiny, entitled fanboys. In fact, they've explicitly attempted to distance themselves from that monicker from day one. The productivity of the Child's Play charity drive is just one example. Those of you claiming otherwise are ill-informed, dismissive pricks. (Hey, how does it feel to be on the other end of a gross generalization for a change? Idiots.)
Just another day in Telltale land.
Also: Would you replay a game which had a terribly out-of-place ending that gave no closure at all? No. That's a big problem in a game with so much choice that it practically begs for multiple playthroughs.
In the context of the current discussion I'm urrenty the only person arguing the ending isn't worth stressing over. My final statement simply agreed to state that those who feel its worth devoting energy to have a different emphasis in life than I do. I concluded by wishing them well, while acknowledging our differences on the issue. Then we descended into the linguistically aggressive realm of pricks, idiots and cunts.
I do think there are better things to devote energy to. That won't change. I don't think people stressing this are idiotic prick cunts.
ME2: I can wait to replay that.
ME3: Haven't bought or played that one yet since it hasn't been released in the only store I buy games in.
I will admit I don't think it's worth all of the uproar it caused though. Ain't the first game that has had a shitty ending, and it certainly won't be the last.
To me, Mass Effect has always been about choice. At least that's what I keep hearing, haven't played it because I'm too broke for the console versions and the laptop I'm on will combust into a fiery blaze that could potentially kill Chuck Norris. But seeing as Mass Effect always had the tagline of every decision being important to the future and crap, I can see what's so disappointing about the ending.
I mean, let's take the Shepard Indoctrination Theory in account. If that ending is correct, then yeah, it's a damn good ending. But everything you did up to this point is now being thrown away, just to deliver this ending. Nothing you did before will matter to THIS ending. I'm not talking about future DLC, because I'm fairly certain all decision making will be put into this DLC. No, I'm talking about THIS ending. It doesn't give us a real conclusion. If we take the theory into consideration, all we get to see is a rosy future Shepard is halucinating, and one that doesn't even make sense even. I mean, why would Shepard imagine his companions fleeing from battle, just so they can repopulate somewhere else? Why would all Mass Relays need to be destroyed and crap? I mean, it's all in his head, right?
I mean, in this light it doesn't sound deus ex machina per se, but it just seems like some fucked up halucination. Basically he imagines the world being boned. I mean, either that, or the indoctrination attempt attempts to make him imagine these things, or whatever. I mean, the fact that he even sees everything go Baysplosion is strange already. It's not like everything actually happens. The entire section after Shepard's sacrifice just seems either rather pointless or just wrong.
Unless he imagines his companions on a foreign planet because, fuck the rest of the world, at least the ones that matter will be safe from harm. That's the only reason we see that segment. I mean, hey, perhaps in the DLC, they're all dead.
EDIT: Here's the Indoctrination theory in a nutshell.
I offer this as a rebuttal:
http://youtu.be/lbEfV05tJz8
Bioware are working on a modified ending.
Speculation, sure, but that's what I get from the response.