Did Winston want to kill John Wick? This question has been a topic of much debate among fans of the popular action film series. The character of Winston, portrayed by Ian McShane, is a complex figure whose motivations and actions are often scrutinized. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Winston’s character and explore whether or not he truly desired to eliminate the iconic assassin, John Wick.
The character of Winston is introduced as a reclusive and enigmatic figure in the John Wick series. He is the head of the High Table, a group of powerful individuals who oversee the world of high-stakes dog fighting and other underground activities. Winston is known for his intimidating presence and his unwavering loyalty to the High Table. However, his relationship with John Wick is a complex one, as their paths cross multiple times throughout the films.
In the first film, John Wick inadvertently becomes involved in the High Table’s dog fighting circuit after his wife’s death. Winston, initially appearing as a foe, is actually working to protect John from the wrath of the High Table. This is because John had been a member of the High Table in the past, and Winston recognizes his potential threat to the organization. Throughout the film, Winston’s actions suggest that he is more concerned with maintaining the balance of power within the High Table than with eliminating John Wick.
As the series progresses, Winston’s relationship with John becomes more nuanced. In John Wick: Chapter 2, Winston is seen protecting John from a rival faction within the High Table. This act of defiance on Winston’s part raises the question of whether he has a personal vendetta against John or if he simply views him as a valuable asset. In the third film, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Winston’s loyalty to the High Table is tested further as he is forced to confront the true extent of the organization’s corruption.
Throughout the series, Winston’s character exhibits a strong sense of duty and honor, which some fans interpret as a sign that he may have wanted to kill John Wick. However, there are several reasons to believe that this was not his true intention. Firstly, Winston has repeatedly demonstrated his willingness to go to great lengths to protect John, including risking his own life. This suggests that he values John as a person, rather than simply as an enemy.
Secondly, Winston’s actions are often driven by his desire to maintain the balance of power within the High Table. He is more concerned with the overall stability of the organization than with the fate of any one individual. In this context, eliminating John Wick could have been seen as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.
Lastly, Winston’s character arc throughout the series reveals a gradual shift in his values. As he becomes more disillusioned with the High Table’s corruption, he begins to question the organization’s priorities. This internal conflict may have led him to consider alternative solutions to the problem of John Wick, rather than resorting to violence.
In conclusion, while it is possible that Winston wanted to kill John Wick at certain points in the series, the evidence suggests that his true intentions were more complex. His actions were driven by a desire to protect John and maintain the balance of power within the High Table, rather than by a personal vendetta. Ultimately, Winston’s character adds depth to the John Wick universe and raises interesting questions about loyalty, power, and the nature of honor.
