- Oct 20, 2020
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None of these things mentioned refute the James hallucination theory. You're just saying...well this other scenario could happen. No argument there, but the mere existence of one theory doesn't negate another.I can't agree. James was onscreen with the boss for about 30 seconds. The fact that the boss didn't acknowledge him could just as easily be an indication that she's a grumpy, unpleasant person who doesn't like Bella... which is exactly what her 'Holier-Than-Thou-Hilda' nickname suggests! Likewise the man sitting outside the library looks at them because they're having a loud argument right next to him. This isn't inexplicable behavior, it's normal behavior you're reading too much into.
In the end, there's no actual evidence James was a delusion; it's just a guess that can't be disproven at the moment. If Bella had exhibited any signs of that sort of madness in the present day, I'd be more willing to entertain it. But we've seen a lot of contemporary Bella, and she's always been lucid and sane (if obviously troubled). So unless we assume her mental problems were successfully treated between the flashback and the start of the game, there's no reason to doubt James was real in the flashback.
James was on screen for the exact amount of time Bella was during the flashback library sequence so that has no bearing on whether or not he was real. The key point is that Bella is the only one to verbally address James. Hilda takes no notice of him.
We are not told exactly why Hilda is displeased. She just appears suddenly, watches Bella talk, and then dismisses her from work. No explanation whatsoever about why this drastic action is required for simply having a conversation with a spouse. Even if Hilda doesn't like Bella, sending her home with no reason and no acknowledgment of James is odd. I say it is because Bella has been exhibiting signs of mental illness at work. That would be a proper reason to send someone home - When a person is sick, not when they are naughty or improperly using copy machine. Also notice that Hilda doesn't seem particularly angry. You might even say she is more concerned and frustrated than anything. She just says Isabella I think you should go home now. Again something people say at work when you appear unwell. Bella wasn't even disciplined, but just sent home.
If I were sitting outside library in the man's place, I would look up whether or not it was a "loud argument" or a mad woman ranting to herself. The man's look doesn't prove or disprove either one. The fact that he is the central focus of the render does draw my curiosity, however. This is a DPC habit.
DPC hasn't given us enough time alone with Bella to see if she has exhibited this sort of madness recently, but he does announce her troubled mind in neon lights during the crying library scene. And I don't think Bella's mental problems were ever successfully treated. It's clear that throughout the time we have known her, there has been something wrong. I'll bet even Jill doesn't know the true extent of Bella's mental state. My best idea is that during ep. 8 flashback, we were viewing Bella not long after the traumatic incident with James and his departure. Whether it was infidelity, getting sleep humped by Jill, loss of a child...a murder, Bella hasn't been able to properly process what happened. Essentially, a psychotic break has occurred in her mind due to trauma. I think the arrival of MC has pushed some of that to background but all it will take is one good DPC drama and Bella's psychosis will return in full. I hope he doesn't do that though...another Leah would be such a drag.