The Allegiant movie, the third installment in The Divergent Series, leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, a far cry from the conclusion presented in Veronica Roth’s original novel. The planned fourth film, Ascendant, was cancelled, leaving a gaping hole in the narrative and prompting the burning question: what happens to Tris, Four, and the citizens of Chicago after the revelation of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare and the impending memory wipe? The answer, in short, is complicated, involving a truncated television movie concept and ultimately, a largely unanswered question, compelling us to dissect the novel’s ending to piece together a potential, albeit altered, future.
Understanding the Divergence: Novel vs. Film
The Allegiant movie deviates significantly from its source material. This divergence is crucial in understanding why a direct continuation based on the movie’s ending is impossible without significant creative liberties. The film focuses heavily on the Bureau’s control over the genetically damaged and the impending deployment of a memory serum. In contrast, the novel Allegiant tackles themes of genetic purity, societal control, and forgiveness with a complex plot culminating in Tris Prior’s sacrifice to prevent a similar serum from being used. This divergence forced Lionsgate to re-evaluate the series, ultimately leading to the cancellation of Ascendant.
The Cancelled Ascendant and Potential Storylines
Originally conceived as a television movie, Ascendant was intended to wrap up the Divergent saga. While concrete plot details remain elusive, leaked information and interviews suggest a continuation of the film’s established narrative. It’s speculated that the storyline would have likely explored:
- The Bureau’s Motives: Further delving into the Bureau’s leadership and their true intentions beyond simply “correcting” genetic damage. Would they have been successful in implementing the memory wipe?
- Rebellion and Resistance: A potential uprising against the Bureau, led by Tris, Four, and their allies, to protect the divergent citizens of Chicago.
- Genetic Purity vs. Acceptance: Examining the ethical implications of genetic engineering and the societal impact of defining individuals based on their genetic makeup.
Adapting the Novel’s Ending: A Difficult Task
The novel’s ending presents significant challenges for adaptation, primarily due to Tris’s death. The film series significantly altered Tris’s character arc, making a direct adaptation of her sacrifice improbable. Moreover, the film’s focus on the Bureau as the primary antagonist differed from the novel’s more nuanced exploration of internal societal conflicts. Given these discrepancies, Ascendant would have likely presented an alternate conclusion, potentially keeping Tris alive and focusing on dismantling the Bureau’s control.
Reimagining the Future: Hypothetical Scenarios
Absent an official continuation, we are left to speculate about potential resolutions. Based on the film’s established themes and the novel’s core messages, we can construct hypothetical scenarios:
Scenario 1: Defeating the Bureau
In this scenario, Tris, Four, and their allies successfully resist the Bureau’s control. They might discover a way to neutralize the memory serum or expose the Bureau’s manipulative tactics to the wider world, rallying support against their oppressive regime. This ending would emphasize themes of resistance, resilience, and the importance of individual freedom.
Scenario 2: Embracing Genetic Diversity
This alternative focuses on accepting genetic diversity and dismantling the concept of “genetic damage.” The factions might collaborate with the Bureau to develop a system of support and integration for individuals with genetic differences, fostering a society based on acceptance, understanding, and equality.
Scenario 3: A New World Order
A more pessimistic scenario involves the Bureau successfully implementing the memory wipe, effectively resetting the population of Chicago. This outcome would highlight the dangers of authoritarian control, the suppression of individuality, and the loss of memory and identity. However, even in this scenario, pockets of resistance might emerge, planting the seeds for future rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about what might have happened after the Allegiant movie, incorporating elements from both the novel and speculative storylines:
FAQ 1: What was the purpose of the Bureau of Genetic Welfare?
The Bureau’s stated purpose was to “correct” genetic damage in humanity, believing that Chicago’s factions were an experiment gone wrong. However, their true motives remain ambiguous, potentially involving control, manipulation, and the enforcement of a specific genetic ideal.
FAQ 2: Would Tris have died in Ascendant?
Given the significant deviations from the novel, it’s unlikely that Tris would have died in Ascendant. The filmmakers were hesitant to kill off the protagonist, suggesting a more hopeful ending for her character.
FAQ 3: What happened to the other factions after the film?
The fate of the other factions is uncertain. They would likely have been involved in either supporting or resisting the Bureau, depending on their beliefs and leadership. The factions might have dissolved entirely, replaced by a new societal structure.
FAQ 4: What role would Caleb Prior have played?
Caleb, having betrayed Tris in the past, might have sought redemption by helping her fight the Bureau. His knowledge of technology and genetic engineering could have been invaluable in developing countermeasures against the Bureau’s plans.
FAQ 5: How would Four have reacted to Tris’s potential death or injury?
Four, deeply devoted to Tris, would undoubtedly have been devastated by her death. However, depending on the adaptation, his grief could have fueled his determination to dismantle the Bureau and honor her memory.
FAQ 6: Would the memory serum have been successfully deployed?
Whether the memory serum was successfully deployed is debatable. The rebels could have found a way to disable it, or the serum might have had unintended consequences, creating further chaos.
FAQ 7: Could the factions have worked together to defeat the Bureau?
A unified front from all the factions would have significantly increased their chances of success. However, long-standing rivalries and ideological differences might have made cooperation difficult.
FAQ 8: What would have happened to the “divergent” individuals?
The fate of the divergent individuals was central to the story. They likely would have faced persecution and discrimination under the Bureau’s control, making their survival and freedom a key plot point.
FAQ 9: How would the story have addressed the themes of genetic manipulation?
Ascendant would likely have explored the ethical implications of genetic manipulation, questioning the right of any authority to define and control human genetics. The story might have advocated for genetic diversity and acceptance.
FAQ 10: What was the significance of the “genetic purity” concept?
The concept of genetic purity was a complex and controversial theme, representing the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and the belief in a superior race. The story would have likely challenged this concept, promoting the idea that diversity is a strength.
FAQ 11: Would there have been any new characters introduced in Ascendant?
It’s possible that Ascendant would have introduced new characters, either from the Bureau or from other communities outside of Chicago, expanding the scope of the story.
FAQ 12: Is there any chance of the Divergent series being revived in the future?
While there are no current plans for a revival, the enduring popularity of the books and films suggests that a future reboot or continuation is not entirely impossible. However, it would require a fresh approach and a willingness to address the shortcomings of the previous adaptations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Unanswered Questions
The Divergent Series ultimately stands as a cautionary tale, not only within its fictional universe but also in the real world of film adaptations. The cancellation of Ascendant leaves a void, a reminder of the importance of faithful adaptations and consistent storytelling. While we can speculate about the potential future of Tris, Four, and the citizens of Chicago, the true answer remains lost, leaving us with a legacy of unanswered questions and a reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of divergent narratives. The series, despite its abrupt ending, continues to spark discussions about genetic engineering, societal control, and the enduring human spirit’s quest for freedom and identity.