Antagonistic Protagonists
(Z Nation Season 3 Spoilers, I guess)
This plotline is fantastic, of course, because of the dynamic of mutual hatred between these two. Yet, the way Murphy treated Bitten 10K goes beyond this, and raises some interesting questions about his character.
You could argue Murphy bit 10K because he legitimately wanted to help someone who had been a part of the team that got him across the country, but he didn’t really want to go to CEDA. You could argue that he wanted 10K’s sniper skills at his disposal, but he didn’t make the most of them. You could argue that he got a sadistic glee out of controlling someone he hated, and he probably did, but he hated Merch even more.
The thing about 10K, as opposed to all the others Murphy bit on that submarine, was that Murphy mostly gave the kid free rein, even hiding the bite (and don’t get me started on why he bites people on the face when he could just as easily bite them on the arm). Every now and then he would force 10K to do something - get in the car, shoot somebody, shoot at Warren’s feet - but he let 10K much more freedom than everyone else. 10K spent a lot of time defying and insulting Murphy in these episodes, and Murphy could have forced 10K to be quiet - but he didn’t. Did he consider that a more horrible punishment? Or does he feel some need for an antagonistic companion? Is he defined more by those who are against him than those who are with him? His abrasive personality certainly encourages that.
I’m still not entirely sure.