MovieChat Forums > The Osterman Weekend (1983) Discussion > Why didn't Fassett just give Tanner the ...

Why didn't Fassett just give Tanner the tape?

posted 16 years ago by jlb293
2 replies | jump to latest

OK, I get it, he wanted Danforth to appear on Tanner's show.

But, my point is, Fassett seems to go through a lot of unnecessary trouble.

Here's an idea: make up the Omega thing, schedule the meeting between Danforth and Tanner a few weeks before the Osterman Weekend. Then have Danforth agree to appear on Tanner's show BEFORE the weekend. Then Tanner can sabotage Danforth with the tape. (Which, of course, Danforth could have denied knowledge about, just as he could have in the film.) (I also question why in the film Danforth actually appears on the show. Did he know nothing about the slaughter ordered by Fassett? While we're on stupid things, did Fassett provide any evidence regarding the purported KGB agent? Just his conversations with the 3 guys?)

OR, Fassett can KILL all of Tanner's friends, and kidnap his family and dog. For no apparent reason. I guess maybe he works for the IRS in his spare time and REALLY hates tax evasion?

Seemed like a waste of good talent. I did like the gratuitous Skinemax stuff, though. Thanks, Peckinpah!

[–] slokes 15 years ago

Fassett also sics his guys on Tanner in the last minutes of the film, as well as endangers him by sending him after his wife and child in a high-speed chase. If you just want him to do something for you, why not just take the wife and kid, and not bother with the friends at all?

Well, the guy is nuts, so maybe he can be forgiven the logic gaps. Still, the plot's not thought out at all.

Your solution of giving him the tape would be a lot more reasonable, but then there's be no laser sights or hot archer lady.

[–] The_I_G 15 years ago

Why did Danforth appear on Tanner's show? He really is aiming at the presidency.

Of course he knew nothing of Fassett's plan. Fassett is a loose cannon and Danforth is his target.

Danforth was running the operation that got Fassett's wife killed. He was responsible for the disinformation that made the wife the target. That's why Danforth is Fassett's target instead of the KGB.

The real question is how did Fassett get the tape or even know about it. Maybe Danforth had another enemy inside the agency. It seems unlikely that Danforth would have allowed this which could turn a tool into an enemy.