Okay, let's talk about Tommy Riordan in Warrior. He's a complex character, a wounded soul, and… a guy who ends up behind bars. But why? It's not like he robbed a bank (though, his fighting style IS pretty bank-breaking).
The Short Answer: Desertion and AWOL Shenanigans
The simple explanation is that Tommy was a soldier who went AWOL. Being AWOL (Absent Without Leave) means a soldier left their post without permission. Think of it like ditching your shift at McDonald's, but with much bigger consequences and potential jail time.
And then there's the desertion part. This is a more serious charge than just being AWOL. It suggests Tommy intended to permanently abandon his military service. Imagine telling your boss you're going on vacation and then just… never coming back. Except, your "boss" is the U.S. Army. Not a great career move, trust me.
Digging Deeper: The Emotional Baggage Train
But the story isn't *just* about breaking military rules. There's a massive emotional baggage train chugging along behind Tommy. The desertion wasn't some random act; it was fueled by deep-seated pain and resentment.
He's carrying around a mountain of guilt and unresolved issues with his family, especially his father. Think of it like that one argument you had with your sibling years ago that *still* makes you cringe. Now multiply that by a thousand and add some serious military trauma. That's Tommy's emotional state in a nutshell.
Why He Did It: A Perfect Storm of Awful
So, why desert? Well, picture this: You're serving your country, witnessing horrible things, dealing with inner demons. Then, you find out something truly devastating about your past and how your military service played into it.
Suddenly, everything you believed in gets shattered. You feel betrayed, angry, and lost. It’s like finding out your favorite ice cream flavor is actually made with broccoli. You might want to run away from that ice cream… and that feeling.
In Warrior, Tommy learns some hard truths about his father's role in a tragic event. This revelation is the final straw. He couldn't reconcile it with his conscience or his sense of justice. So, he walked away. A drastic decision, sure, but you can kind of see where he’s coming from, right?
The Consequences: Paying the Price
Of course, actions have consequences. Deserting the military is a serious offense. Even if Tommy had understandable reasons, the law is the law. He knew the risks, but he made the choice anyway.
That's why the military police eventually catch up with him. He had received the money for fighting in the MMA tournament. They hauled him off to face the music. It's not exactly a happy ending, but it's a realistic one.
The Takeaway: It's Complicated
Ultimately, Tommy's incarceration is a complex issue stemming from both his actions and his past. It's a reminder that even the strongest warriors can be broken by internal conflicts. And sometimes, running away seems like the only option, even if it leads to a prison cell. It doesn't make him a *bad* guy, just a really, really troubled one. He's more of an anti-hero, if anything.
So, next time you watch Warrior, remember that Tommy's story is about more than just fighting in a ring. It's about a man wrestling with his demons, and sometimes, those demons win. Though, hopefully, he'll get a shot at redemption somewhere down the line!
