Dr. Fredericks

The whole scene regarding his demise is very unsatisfying. It is touched upon in various parts on this board, but I would like to address all parts at once.

1. He was homosexual. That made him subject to compromise, particularly if he was indiscreet in his relationships. It is a semi-valid reason for booting him from the "service," particularly in the 1940s.

2. "Retirement" or a "conclusion" other than death or imprisonment would not solve the issue raised by his indiscretion. He is still subject to damaging compromise for several years after cessation of actual spying activities.

3. Given 1 and 2, why give him the choice to retire? Was there really a choice or was he going to be eliminated regardless? If there was no choice, why go through the entire charade with Wilson, was it a warning to Wilson?

4. Assuming he did have a choice, why choose to be murdered? Was he suicidal? Perhaps if there really was no choice, he chose the "direct" route rather than choosing retirement and later assassination.

5. Assuming he chose to be murdered post-haste rather than wait for it, why scream and engage in histrionics?

Considering how well done the film is overall, this is just a bizarre sequence when you consider it even slightly.