Kill Morinth or Samara
The choice between sparing Morinth or Samara is one of the most impactful moral decisions in Mass Effect 2, directly affecting the fate of a loyal companion and the narrative's progression. This difficult decision arises during the recruitment mission for Samara, the Asari Justicar, and forces Shepard to confront the nature of justice and the consequences of one's actions.
During Samara's recruitment mission on the planet Illium, Shepard discovers that Samara's own daughter, Morinth, is a powerful Ardat-Yakshi, a dangerous type of Asari whose psychic bond with a partner is fatal. Morinth has been actively seducing and killing unsuspecting victims, and Samara is determined to bring her to justice, even if it means killing her own child. Shepard is caught in the middle, tasked with assisting Samara in apprehending Morinth.
The Confrontation and the Choice
The mission culminates in a confrontation where Shepard and Samara corner Morinth. Morinth, desperate to survive, attempts to seduce Shepard, offering them a chance to live and experience her unique abilities. This is the critical juncture where Shepard must make a choice:
- Side with Samara: If Shepard sides with Samara, they will help her subdue Morinth. In the ensuing struggle, Samara will ultimately kill Morinth. This choice preserves Samara as a loyal squadmate, but it means sacrificing her daughter.
- Side with Morinth: If Shepard sides with Morinth, they will help her escape. In this scenario, Morinth will incapacitate Samara, leaving her for dead. Morinth will then join Shepard's crew, replacing Samara.
Consequences of Each Choice
The decision has significant ramifications:
| Choice | Outcome | Impact on Samara | Impact on Morinth | Impact on Squad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kill Morinth (Side with Samara) | Samara lives and remains a loyal squadmate. | Remains loyal, but haunted by her decision. | Dies. | Samara is available for missions. |
| Spare Morinth (Side with Morinth) | Morinth joins the Normandy as a squadmate. | Dies or is left for dead, depending on dialogue choices. | Joins the Normandy, but is unstable and dangerous. | Morinth is available for missions, but her presence can cause friction. |
Morinth as a Squadmate
If Shepard chooses to spare Morinth, she joins the Normandy. However, Morinth is an Ardat-Yakshi and is inherently unstable and dangerous. Her presence on the ship can lead to unsettling events and potentially alienate other crew members. While she possesses unique biotic abilities, her loyalty is questionable, and her interactions can be unsettling. She does not have a loyalty mission in the same vein as other squadmates.
Samara's Loyalty Mission
If Samara remains on the Normandy, her loyalty mission, The Ardat-Yakshi, becomes available. This mission involves confronting the remaining Ardat-Yakshi sisters and can lead to further difficult choices regarding their fate and Samara's own path to atonement.
Moral and Narrative Implications
The choice between Morinth and Samara is not simply about gaining a powerful squadmate; it's about Shepard's own moral compass. Does Shepard prioritize justice, even at the cost of a family bond? Or do they embrace a dangerous but potentially powerful ally, even if it means betraying a Justicar's principles? The decision reflects Shepard's character and influences how other characters perceive them.
Recommendation
For most players, siding with Samara and allowing her to kill Morinth is the recommended path. Samara is a more stable and loyal squadmate, and her presence on the Normandy leads to a more cohesive crew dynamic. While Morinth offers unique abilities, her instability and the moral compromise involved make her a less desirable companion for a long-term playthrough.
This choice is a stark reminder of the difficult decisions Shepard must make in Mass Effect 2, where there are rarely easy answers and every choice carries significant weight.