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Daedalus is one of the most interesting characters on the show, a
complicated tangle of contradictions that can be both compelling
and disturbing to watch.
The first steadicam glimpse of
Daedalus' haven as Julian visits his friend seems designed to convey
menace. Coupled with the Nosferatu's appearance, I was surprised when
instead of a monster Daedalus was shown to be cultured and eloquent. A
more complex character was later revealed when, as Julian's enforcer, he
paid a visit to Coroner Sharon (Pilot). He was much more than the old
fashioned aristocrat he first seemed to be; he was also a violent and
ruthless creature, not averse to causing others unnecessary pain. Later
episodes made me wonder why, instead of either embracing or taking the
Coroner's life quickly, Daedalus chose to mesmerize him and force him to
slash open his own wrists. It seemed inhumane, but perhaps that was the
point. He's not human, and our perceptions of what is acceptable don't
apply to the Kindred. His desire for humans seems in direct conflict
with this though. First with Elaine Robb (Nightstalker) and later the
boy Abel (Romeo) he showed insight and compassion, and the need to be
close to their human frailties. His desire to be close
to humans also revealed another side of the Nosferatu Primogen; a deeply
selfish side. In his quest for Elaine's love he is prepared to
sacrifice himself to the dangers of alchemy. Though Julian councils him
against this course of action he can't help but pursue his own
interests. However, it's only when he meets Abel that it's clear just
how far he's willing to bend the rules. Daedalus is
more aware than most that Julian's determination to have law in the city
is unbending. Being his enforcer, it is surprising that it is he who
pushes the hardest when faced with a dying child. Sensitive to the
presence of the Kindred, Abel isn't frightened by the Nosferatu. Instead
he challenges him, and makes him answer for killing the Ventrue doctor.
Daedalus is immediately protective of Abel, to the point he asks Julian
to break Kindred law and embrace him, so that he might live. When his
Prince refuses him, sighting the law against embracing children,
Daedalus seems to see it as a personal slight. Against Julian's wishes
he allows Abel to stay with him, and later, after Sasha's embrace by the
Brujah, he seems on the brink of holding back his help to bring the clan
war to an end. Though still clearly bearing a grudge,
the Nosferatu Primogen does ultimately support his Prince and avenge his
niece's embrace. Perhaps this is the reason Daedalus use of alchemy to
cure Abel's cancer is overlooked, and his interference into human
affairs considered a reasonable exchange. Daedalus'
most dramatic confrontation occurs when the Nosferatu he succeeded as
Primogen, Goth, returns to San Francisco in order to gain support to
overthrow Julian and the Ventrue (Bad Moon). At this time Daedalus is
forced into the position of having to choose between his Prince and his
clan. Somewhat surprisingly Daedalus offers to surrender his Primogenship
in order to support Julian, should the need arise and this statement
confirms for me the loyalty, respect and friendship that the Prince has
earned. Daedalus is possibly Julian's most powerful ally, and his
closest friend. I find myself often confused by
Daedalus' morality; he has a very clear personal code of conduct, though
it isn't always obvious what motivates it. He is always seen to be fair,
though there is an underlying duplicity to his actions. Maybe he's so
old there were no laws when he was created, and now sees some of the
application dogmatic and foolish. Though powerful, he is vulnerable and
easily hurt and invests his emotions too readily and often inappropriately.
There is so much more that could have been explored in the character,
but without more episodes he will, to me at least, remain a mystery.
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