How the Hero Saved the Villain

Undercover cop

Undercover cop, Brian O’Conner set out to do one thing…

Wait, I know what you’re thinking. Brian O’Conner a hero? Dude is a renegade cop! But hear me out.

Let’s learn a little bit about Brian.

• He has a fast car. Strength

• He has a heavy foot. Weakness

• He has unwavering faith. Strength

• He has a criminal background boosting cars. Weakness

• He gets easily distracted by beautiful woman. Weakness & Strength? 🤷🏻‍♂️

But that’s not the only thing that Brian cares about. Brian’s best character trait is RESPECT. Brian’s character thrives on a role where he is respected by his peers, his woman, and his authority. Brian mentions this at the beginning of the film, pointing out that respect is more valuable to him than money. He seeks validation where he can be respected by others around him. He earns this respect at the end of the film.

But wait, how does any of this make Brian O’Conner a hero?

If you’ve seen the film, then you know how he sacrifices his identity & career for the people he RESPECTS. He places his faith in another person’s hands by giving them a second chance. Isn’t that what faith is? Isn’t that what every pastor preaches? That Jesus gave up his life and sacrificed everything he had based on his FAITH in his father.

Come on, give the man his flowers! Brian is the ultimate hero who saved the villain! If you’ve read this far and still don’t believe me, then keep reading! If you do believe me, then good on ya mate! Cheers, and enjoy the rest of your day! Or continue reading, it’s up to you.

Okay, you nonbelievers, let’s go back to the synopsis of the story.

Brian, an undercover cop, infiltrates a street race to uncover a heist. His main target is Dominic Toretto, the villain, street racer who almost killed a dude with a crowbar. Brian’s role was to act as a street racer to gather hard evidence on a team stealing imported car parts from semi trucks. Brian’s goal was simple. Befriend the villain, find evidence, and then turn him in. All he had to do was make the call.

The goal was simple. Catch the bad guys. Instead, he became the hero who saved the villain.

How did he save the villain you ask? Good question.

Brian’s best character trait, respect, allowed him to value Dom’s beliefs. You see, Dominic Toretto wasn’t your ordinary villain. Yes, he stole expensive imported car parts, almost beat a guy to death, and threatened the livelihood of truck drivers, but we all know who he really is.

What was that? You don’t know who he really is?

Let’s take a closer look at Dom.

• He has street racer credibility. Strength

• He steals imported car parts. Weakness

• He has family orientation. Strength

• He has an uncontrollable temper. Weakness

• He prays for his meals. Strength

• He lives a fast and furious lifestyle that threatens the livelihood of his loved ones. Weakness

You see, Brian is the perfect piece to Dom’s team. Brian is cool, calm, and collected. He neutralizes Dom’s aggressive behavior. Dom states this in the film, “Brian, don’t lose that cool of yours. That’s your meal ticket.”

This is how Brian saved Dom.

Dom welcomed Brian to his team, more importantly his family. Brian continued to observe Dom’s true character, and evidently fell in love with his sister. The two became brothers. Like I said in the beginning, Brian gave his life in order to save those who he respected and loved. Brian exposes his undercover role and calls in support to aid his new family. He follows Dom and gives up his keys, in other words his faith to Dom knowing that he has to give up his livelihood, and his career.

Both characters understood the consequences of their actions. They made their choices.

Dom asks. “You know what you’re doing?”

Brian replies, “I owe you a 10 second car.”

Dom drives away with a second chance, renewed faith, and hope to start a new life.

This is how the hero saved the villain.

Still don’t believe me? Go ahead and see it for yourself. If it’s your first time watching the film, then pop the popcorn and enjoy. If this is a rewatch for you die hard F&F fans then go ahead and rewatch the film and find out for yourself. How the hero saved the villain.

In honor of Paul Walker, who portrayed Brian O’Conner.

The Fast and the Furious available on Amazon.

Brian O’Conner & Nissan Syline GT-R (R34) Lego Set.

Dominic Toretto & 1970 Dodge Charger R/T 76912 Muscle Car Lego Set.