Original artwork, not a still
'In the end'? Nothing ends, Adrian. Nothing ever ends.
— Watchmen • 1986
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is a cold reply to a man who wants absolution. To Manhattan, who experiences all of time at once, no event is over, so Veidt's "end" that justifies the means does not exist; the deaths are as present as the peace. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons close the main story on that note of unfinished consequence, and the line is quoted whenever an ending refuses to be one.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for WatchmenShow the scene
In Chapter XII, "A Stronger Loving World", Adrian Veidt has revealed in his Antarctic fortress Karnak that his faked alien attack has killed millions and frightened the world's powers into peace. The heroes have grudgingly agreed to keep it secret. As Doctor Manhattan prepares to leave, Veidt asks whether he did the right thing, since it all "worked out in the end." Jon answers "Nothing ever ends," and disappears. He has just said he would like to create life himself, on a new planet.
Sources (1)
- Watchmen Wiki: A Stronger Loving WorldChapter summary, Karnak scenesReference checked
Context reviewed
