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up vote 6 down vote favorite

We see Jim Phelps murder his wife, needlessly, and yet, only give Ethan what amounts to a glancing blow.

Why wouldn't he just kill Ethan and try to escape with his wife instead of taking the risk of leaving him alive?

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Be sure to ask an actual question in the question body and not just count on the title to make up that question. You got your questions corrected a couple of times now. – Christian Rau May 20 '12 at 15:28
I guess I'll just upvote the correctors. Sorry. English is not my native language. – Jim Thio May 21 '12 at 1:20
It is not really a language problem, because your question title (and comments) has pretty good language. It is just that you had completely forgotten to actually ask a question in the, well, question. This wouldn't be any different in other languages. – Christian Rau May 21 '12 at 7:13
I guess it's a plot hole. Of course, originally Jim killed Ethan. But then directors remind the writer of how much sequels they'll be losing money for. Also Ethan can dodge bullet and cast shield barrier and hence got to be elbowed instead. Makes perfect sense. – Jim Thio May 21 '12 at 7:19
Unless you have better explanation :)? – Jim Thio May 21 '12 at 12:34

1 Answer

up vote 3 down vote accepted

The only valid explanation that comes to mind is that Jim Phelps wanted to frame someone so the file could be closed instead of an open-end investigation that could lead to his capture ultimately!

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too complicated. – Jim Thio Jun 14 '12 at 7:13
agreed! but then aren't all MI movies complicated :) – Farhan Ahmed Jun 14 '12 at 7:17

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