So… Blade Runner gets me somewhat philosophical. And honestly? That’s actually the point… AHEM For reference; the scene specifically is about the protagonist, amidst his despondency, realising and resolving to make the ‘human’ choice, one that helps others with compassion and selflessness, even if that includes self sacrifice. Their placing the Li’s in Joi’s role is actually a hella deep message, it is reminding everyone that, the boys are, ultimately a product, and as the users, so are we, but sometimes, we need to make the human choice to love and show compassion, even if we have to make sacrifices. As this collab was almost certainly planned pre-barkcott, and it is ultimately promotional to get people hyped for the upcoming series, I don’t believe this is a message to imply anything negative (like trying to encourage us to move on, for example) And even if we suppose it IS a message, I would think it’s a message directed at parasocial users: the “pure” mains and the antis who harass others over liking characters they don’t. For these people, the compassionate, selfless, human act would be to welcome Valko back—even if they perceive it as a sacrifice (the whole nonsense about their favourites getting fewer resources, etc.). Because the compassionate, selfless, human act for these people, would be to welcome Valko back, even if they perceive it as a situation where they are making a sacrifice (the whole nonsense about resources for their favourites being reduced etc) We have already made our sacrifice, we have already chosen love, compassion and selflessness. We have shown it over and over again. Now it’s their turn. Welcome our wolf, accept he is important and loved, and move forward without hate in their hearts.