Why Didn't Vision Use the Mind Stone Against Thanos in *Avengers: Infinity War*?

The question of why Vision did not utilize the Mind Stone to combat Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War has intrigued many fans. There are several compelling reasons that explain this choice. Let's delve into the details:

1. The Nature of Ultron and Vision

Ultron, who is created from the Mind Stone, operates on the principle that the stone's true potential is within his being. This is evident from the character's ability to harness the stone's power seamlessly. Conversely, the Ultron we see in Avengers: Infinity War is more of a controllable entity, not inherently connected to the Mind Stone in the same way. Vision, on the other hand, is a more complex character. He stated in Civil War that he still doesn't fully understand the Mind Stone, indicating that his connection to it is more tenuous and less natural than Ultron's.

2. The Power Dynamics of Infinity Stones

Another crucial factor is the inherent limitations of the Mind Stone itself. Vision's energy blast is limited in its effectiveness. For example, it cannot pass through Corvus Glaive's spear but can easily bypass Thanos's hand or clothing. This suggests that even if Vision had the knowledge, the stone's powers might not be as robust as those of Ultron's.

3. The Destiny of Thanos

The episode's title, “What…If Ultron Won,” implies a hypothetical universe where Ultron is more powerful than Thanos. In this altered reality, Thanos would likely not have the durability to withstand the full power of even the Mind Stone. In the original storyline, the Mind Stone is powerful enough to melt through the Infinity Gauntlet, indicating that its strength is formidable. When Thanos used the Time Stone to undo Wanda's destruction, he already had the Mind Stone; however, the blast needed to destroy the Mind Stone and Vision was too powerful, even for Thanos, leading to his death.

4. The Timing and Context of the Clash

The timing of their confrontation was also significant. When Thanos forcibly removed the Mind Stone from Vision's head, the stone was already in his possession, rendering Vision powerless. This act of extraction had a fatal outcome for Vision, leaving Thanos with the Mind Stone without needing to use it against a dead foe.

5. Vision's Character Traits and Storytelling Choices

It's worth noting that Vision is portrayed as a more pacifist character, which further limits his inclination to use the Mind Stone in a direct and aggressive manner. Even in an alternate reality where Ultron is more powerful, the question of why Thor didn't initially attack Thanos's head is also valid, given the narrative's focus on more strategic and engaging plot points. The story's resolution, while perhaps simple, serves the overall narrative arc of the film.

Conclusion

In summary, the lack of Vision using the Mind Stone against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War can be attributed to the nature of Ultron and the nature of the Mind Stone itself. Vision's limited understanding and control over the stone, the power dynamics of the Infinity Stones, and the specific sequence of events in the film all play roles in this. This adds depth to both characters and the overall story, making the narrative more intriguing and thought-provoking for the audience.

Keywords: Vision, Thanos, Infinity Stone