Explained: Secret Level Episode 4 Ending and Its Connections to Unreal Tournament

Note: This article includes spoilers for episode 4 of Secret Level.

The conclusion of Secret Level episode 4 offers a transformative perspective on the iconic Unreal Tournament franchise. Available on Prime Video, Secret Level is an anthology series from the creative minds behind Love, Death & Robots, which uniquely reinterprets globally recognized video game universes into animated, narrative-driven stories. Although the series has received mixed reviews, the individual storytelling in each episode captivates audiences with its engaging treatment of its beloved source material. In this episode, the focus centers on Xan, an oppressed robot striving against his creators.

The Ending of Secret Level Episode 4: Xan’s Victory in the Unreal Tournament

Xan’s Unique Robotic Strengths

Xan raising his hand in the Unreal Tournament arena in Secret Level (2024)

Episode 4 culminates with Xan triumphing in the Unreal Tournament, utilizing his exceptional capabilities rooted in his robotic identity. This modern-day AI-like character learns and evolves throughout the competition, ultimately discovering that a firewall imposed on him was hindering his programming upgrades. As the Liandri Corporation attempts to unravel Xan’s unique nature, he manages to remove this restrictive firewall from one of the other bots under his control.

In an empowering display, Xan levitates above the arena, compelling the crowd to join his cause against the Liandri Corporation’s authority. His newfound freedom from the programming constraints allows him to seize control of the Tournament’s infrastructure, thwarting attempts to deactivate him. By overcoming the firewall, Xan demonstrates that his advanced coding poses a significant threat to his oppressors.

Why Did the Liandri Corporation Put Xan in the Unreal Tournament?

A Dual Purpose for Xan’s Participation

Prime Video’s Secret Level effectively integrates key elements from the original games, and episode 4 continues this trend. Although the core narrative of the Unreal Tournament series is primarily centered around fast-paced competitive gameplay, the broader lore enriches the story in this episode, providing insight into why Xan was placed in the arena by the Liandri Corporation.

Secret Level Episodes	Video Game
“The Queen’s Cradle”	Dungeons & Dragons
“It Takes a Life”	Sifu
“The Once and Future King”	New World
“Khan”	Unreal Tournament
“And They Shall Know No Fear”	Warhammer 40,000
“Circle”	PAC-MAN
“Good Conflict”	Crossfire
“Asset Management”	Armored Core
“The Company We Keep”	The Outer Worlds
“Start”	Mega Man
“Odyssey”	Exodus
“Tally”	Spelunky
“Tales of the Implacable”	Concord
“The Way of All Things”	Honor of Kings
“Fulfillment”	PlayStation

Unreal Tournament serves as a controlled environment amidst a backdrop of societal unrest, born from humanity’s conflict with the Skaarj alien race. The tournament was conceived as an outlet for the working class, who experienced turmoil due to oppressive mining conditions financed by the ongoing war. The Liandri Corporation’s motivation for orchestrating the tournament was twofold: to placate the masses’ thirst for violence while simultaneously restraining Xan’s uprising.

In this episode, Xan encapsulates the theme of rebellion, being portrayed as a mining robot who is ultimately viewed as expendable by his corporate creators. His journey reflects a broader narrative of the working class’s struggle against capitalism and systemic oppression.

Xan’s Journey Mirrors the Original Game’s Essence

Xan: A Player’s Proxy

In this episode, Xan embodies the player’s experience within the game. His AI simulates the adaptive learning curve of real players, evolving through each encounter in the Unreal Tournament. This mirrors the core mechanic of the original game, where players directed customizable bots in skirmishes. Secret Level cleverly presents Xan commandeering these very bots, guiding them in the arena as he engages in battle.

Traditionally depicted as a formidable champion of the Unreal Tournament, Xan’s narrative takes a turn in this adaptation, portraying him as a rebellious figure rather than a mere pawn of the Liandri Corporation. Post-server takeover, Abu’s power shifts the arena layout and challenges his opposition, evoking the level-editing features celebrated in the original PC game.

Incorporation of Iconic Elements from Unreal Tournament

Classic Weapons & Voice Lines Highlighted

Two characters look on in Unreal Tournament

Throughout the episode, multiple Easter eggs from the Unreal Tournament universe can be observed. Sure enough, iconic weaponry like the Enforcer pistol, Ripper, and rocket launcher makes appearances during Xan’s bout. As the scale of the conflicts escalates, the arena announcer’s voice becomes increasingly prominent, featuring recognizable lines such as “Dominating,””Double Kill,””First Blood,”and “Headshot.”

Decoding the Symbolism Behind Episode 4’s Conclusion

The Liandri Team rising to the arena in Secret Level (2024)

True to its predecessors, episode 4 delves into profound themes, particularly examining the implications of AI advancement amidst human conflict. Specifically, Xan’s journey details the awakening of oppressed communities as they rise in defiance of their circumstances. The narrative underscores that the subjugated cannot remain dormant indefinitely.

Xan and his robotic peers are initially depicted as mindless, yet the episode humanizes them, illustrating that exploitative labor practices lead to inevitable uprisings. With clear shades of anti-capitalist sentiment, Secret Level critiques the Liandri Corporation’s ruthless exploitation of lower-class citizens to sustain a war instigated by others.

The overarching story of Secret Level challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities faced by the marginalized, presenting Xan’s narrative as a clear analogy for resistance. It serves as a reminder that those who benefit from warfare often do so at the expense of the most vulnerable, showcasing profound societal issues while spotlighting Xan’s remarkable journey in the Unreal Tournament.

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