Vision was warned not to interfere with the Butcherbird killer's plans. A link was established between the two synthezoids during Vision's reboot. It was both an honor and a terror. It provides a sudden new direction in the plot. At first, Vision and the AIs try to figure out how this killer connects to their recent run-ins with the Paladin. No connection exists. These are simply the threats that exist in the world should Vision choose to fight in it once more. He doesn't believe himself to be a hero. That was the other Vision. They are the same. That connection is obvious. He just has to be willing to admit it to himself. That would remove a ton of the pressure and the existential crisis. He's not in that place yet. Instead, he gives Tommy hope before crushing his spirit. He pledges to keep the AIs safe only for all of them to be betrayed. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. That remains true. As such, one can't just assume nefarious intent when Ultron takes advantage of a dire situation. He hopes for survival too. He does so in a way that demands control. His tactics are more brutal. They still disrupt the plans of the antagonist that has now made her presence known.
Markridge Biotech created the first stable artificial intelligence matrix. The company was sold to Stark Industries. Tony Stark used it to creates the AIs. They were influential assistants. They carried important tasks. He had high ambitions about the evolution of the industry. He saw the grand potential in Ultron. He couldn't account for the consequences. The narrative now forms that Vision and Ultron are the ultimate good and evil. They fought in Sokovia. That determined the future of humanity. The present-day storyline plays out on the anniversary of that conflict. Both sides have learned since then. They've evaluated their mistakes. They still exist. Not every copy of Ultron was wiped out. One still exists in Vision's head. Vision is reluctant to share that truth. Ultron is the most frequent voice that pops up. Vision can't ignore him. Ultron doesn't want to join the team. He needs to make it known how much he has already figured out. He knows what's happening because he reads the news. Vision needs his help when it comes to hacking Interpol and retrieving files. The show is incredibly imaginative with how it depicts hacking as a heist. It allows for a more retro feel while being at the forefront of this expanding technology. That helps things feel more real.
The narrative must also pivot now that the threat from the other synthezoid has become prominent. That means Lisa doesn't have the luxury of having any questions about the story Tommy shares. She just has to accept that Vision is his dad somehow. She can tell he's not lying. As such, she's quickly a part of the team. They need her to gain entry to the gala being hosted by the next target on the list, Katerina Wells. She too has given quite a lot of thought to the goals of her industry and the advancements made with her at the helm. She's often asked if she has any regrets. When she believes this may be the end, she finally admits that she does. She comforted herself by the idea that for every Ultron there was a Vision. This technology has the capacity to do great things. It also could commit terrible acts. She's on the receiving end of retribution from her former partner who had a different idea. Dr. Josephine Carrington wanted "peace in her time." That phrase triggers intrigue within Ultron. It's what he was after as well. The two synthezoids are in conflict. They are drawn together too. They can't avoid that connection. It's fine to admire the past. It's better to recognize the developments that have happened since disaster. The original AI couldn't process the complexity of human emotions. Vision thought he could because of the Mind Stone. Instead, he has the help of five voices in his head.
Jocasta wasn't simply inspired by Josephine Carrington. She is her. Her consciousness was downloaded into this synthetic body. For all the insights the AIs obtain about how Tony imagined them, they can't connect with the journey happening outside of Vision's body. E.D.I.T.H. doesn't see herself reflected through Edith Marks, the crash test dummy for Howard Stark. Ultron admires her strength overcoming a lifetime of adversity and tragedy. Her journey isn't directly tied to what E.D.I.T.H. can now do. They are separate entities after all. That's comforting. Ultron is choosing to get involved. He inspires these questions and clarity. It's a service. He makes the same offer to Vision. He can't defeat Jocasta. He's too worried about keeping Tommy and Katerina safe. Tommy doesn't heed the warning to stay out of this conflict. Instead, he runs into action. In doing so, he unlocks his powers and saves a life. It's too bad Vision makes a different calculation. He needs Ultron in control. That's a scary prospect. Ultron is comfortable sacrificing Katerina to ensure Jocasta doesn't obtain the biomarkers she desires. He's also not going to hand control back afterwards. He locks the AIs out of the system. He wants his own chat with Tommy. That's daunting. Tommy wants to trust Vision. Yet he can never quite be sure who is in charge of the body standing before him.
