HBO's Watchmen: 10 Big Questions We Need Answers To
9. Is This The Rorschach Or A Copycat?
It’s pretty much impossible to discuss Rorschach’s potential role in the Moore’s story without some massive spoilers, so just bear that in mind on this entry.
In the original tale, he dies at the end. However, his distinctive mask features in the trailer, so what does that mean?
His death is complicated; the world is relatively at peace, but only because of a looming threat they do not fully understand. He wants to tell the truth, but the other Watchmen believe that would shatter the peace.
Rorschach, not believing the end can justify the means, dies for his cause. However, he mails evidence to the newspaper before his passing. We never see the consequences of this in Moore’s graphic novel. Will the series follow up on this thread?
The mask itself has eyeholes, unlike Rorschach’s original, and lacks his trademark hat. This could suggest that it’s not him at all, but in fact a copycat. It’s not unreasonable that some would idolise him after such a noble death. How might that fit in with Lindelof’s remixing idea? He might not even die at all.
There’s another set of masks in the trailer which may link to Rorschach too, addressed later in the list.