The Whitlock Coup: Introducing NFG’s Most Unsettling Betrayal
What happens when you have everything you could want? Or are seen as more important than those around you? If history has taught us anything, it’s that there will always be those who will want to bring you down once you’ve risen to the top.
In the case of Never Far Gone (NFG), this lesson is experienced firsthand by one of the most influential characters in the story, inevitably leading to the beginning of the end for what can be considered one of New York’s largest Post-apocalyptic organizations. This bold and audacious betrayal is referred to as the Whitlock Coup.
Warning: This article may contain Spoilers! The following article is recommended for those who have completed Never Far Gone (NFG) OR who have a firm understanding of the events that take place throughout the story.
What is the Whitlock Coup?
Following the events of Chapter 12: No Way Out - including the acknowledgment of a possible traitor within the Consulate and the death of Vito Caruso’s Biological Father (Sergio Caruso) - tensions between Miles Gether and Graham Whitlock are at an all-time high. This leads to Miles placing Graham under arrest and issuing orders for the Incursion of Troy to commence shortly thereafter in retaliation for the actions of Damien Gifford and the Ravelers (ie. the Colonists).
While Miles is focusing on the irradiation of the Ravelers, there is a plan to overthrow the Leader of the Thrivers simmering under the nose of the Delegation, as well as Miles Gether himself.
Note: There are various signs leading up to Chapter 14: Overboard that serve as innuendos to a nefarious plot being developed. For a deeper look at the moments that foreshadowed the audacious feat, which ultimately led to the Fall of the Thrivers, click here.
“The problem with betrayal is that it comes from those you expect the least.”
Following Miles’s return from the Colonist Settlement in Troy, NY during the beginning of Chapter 13: Concessions, Graham was ready to execute his plan to overthrow Miles Gether as the Leader of the Thrivers by utilizing his secret connection with one of the most respected and influential members of the group: Luca Silvio.
As one of his prison guards, Graham would’ve had a much easier time influencing Luca Silvio to assist with his plan to overtake the Consulate due to his proximity, as well as Luca’s vocal disdain toward Miles due to his reckless behavior and unwillingness to include Luca - one of the more experienced Thrivers within the Consulate - into the Delegation.
In Chapter 14: Overboard, Luca works closely with Graham after secretly releasing him from his cell - once Miles has temporarily departed from the Consulate - to stir up enough chaos within the building to mask their approach. This includes the following:
Switching on the exterior lights at the Consulate to draw the attention of any Spectrals in the area
Sabotaging the Generator to prevent other Thrivers from disabling the lights
Using the Spectral Assualt to withdraw guns from the Armory without raising suspicion
Dismissal of the Overwatch Convoy (initiated by Luca to minimize the Consulate’s Exterior Defenses)
After returning to the Consulate and helping the Thrivers hold off the Spectrals making their way into the building, Miles and Corver soon find themselves on the rooftop to assist Abdul and Derrick with their aerial assault. Before Miles and Corver are given the chance to converse with their trusted allies, Derrick and Abdul are shot and killed by Luca Silvio, who had discreetly made his way to the roof behind Miles and Corver.
Caught off guard, Miles attempts to draw his handgun but is ultimately shot in the shoulder by Luca as he does so. With Miles incapacitated and Corver unable to move (due to Luca holding him at bay with his gun), Graham emerges from the shadows and picks up Abdul’s pistol before approaching the trio. After antagonizing Miles, Graham raises his gun to Miles before abruptly being interrupted by a small group of Thrivers who barge through the entrance to the roof.
As Graham Whitlock and Luca Silvio turn to return fire, an opportunity presents itself as Miles tackles Corver over the roof's edge in an attempt to flee. With Miles and Corver surviving the fall - albeit sustaining life-threatening injuries in the process - the duo eventually have their wounds patched up and use a vehicle that Miles had stored nearby in the event of an emergency to make their getaway with Vito Caruso (who they’re reunited with on the streets following the attack). This, ultimately, marks the trio’s narrow escape to a fate far worse than death at the hands of one of the most infamous characters in Never Far Gone (NFG).
Result: While some of the Thrivers were able to escape the Consulate prior to the Coup taking place, most of the Thrivers who had an unwavering commitment to Miles’s vision for the group were ultimately executed by Graham Whitlock. In the following months, Graham and Luca work hand-in-hand with the remaining Ravelers to disband the Thrivers and implant a new faction within the city: the Lockers.
With Graham now in a position of authority, the Network of Traders established by Miles Gether and the Thrivers, as well as the prosperity envisioned when the group was established, was now in jeopardy.
“Hard times are just one less tear to shed later.”
What is the Impact of the Whitlock Coup?
With the prosperity of the Thrivers at an all-time high following the supposed irradiation of the Ravelers (ie. the Colonists), Miles Gether inevitably conjures up a sense of invincibility. This becomes evident as we take a closer look at Miles’s increasingly assertive approach regarding how he handles problems and adversity. As his arrogance and obsession with control reach newfound heights (no pun intended), Miles finds himself hitting rock bottom (also no pun intended) as the once charismatic and selfless leader finds himself surrounded by despair and regret in the months to follow.
With Graham Whitlock now in complete control of the Thrivers’ former infrastructure, he and his group of Lockers begin to unravel all of the progress their predecessor had worked to establish throughout the year. With the Lockers in complete control of New York City, the following events occur:
The Ravelers begin to regain their numbers
Tensions rise between the Lockers and the Ravelers, as the latter had failed to hold up their end of the deal established between the two groups
Note: This can be seen in Chapter 16: Visionary as the turmoil relationship between the two groups, and how they interact with one another, is seen by Miles as he’s observing the Consulate
Resources become scarce within the borough
“Truth be told, we’ve all got blood on us, yet there comes a moment when you can no longer wash it off…”
How could the Whitlock Coup have been prevented?
As with many of the events that have transpired throughout Never Far Gone (NFG), including the alleged eradication of the Ravelers in what is commonly referred to as the Incursion of Troy, there are certain moments leading up to the Whitlock Coup that could’ve been altered in order to prevent the bloodshed that followed. This includes, but is not limited to:
Sparing Graham Whitlock in the Home Improvement Store
Sparing Graham Whitlock during the Party in the Consulate
Not securing a seat for Luca Silvio in the Delegation
Sparing Graham Whitlock after the murder of murder of Sergio Caruso
Choosing to retaliate against the Ravelers rather than put 100% effort into identifying the traitor in the group (ie. Sandman)
The relationship between the Whitlock Coup and the Theme of NFG
With a large emphasis on Control throughout Never Far Gone (NFG), the Whitlock Coup can be considered one of the most critical moments of development for some of the more established characters in the story. This event confirms Damien’s statement to Miles, where he states that “no one is in control” (Chapter 12: No Way Out).
While people like Miles Gether are focused on the endgame, those like Graham Whitlock and Damein Gifford make seemingly rational decisions based on the present. With such a narrow outlook on the events unfolding in front of him, Miles experienced firsthand just how disastrous it can be to place too much attention on the future.
Conclusion
Everyone has a choice, yet sometimes we fail to remember that each choice has its own set of consequences that inevitably affect what happens later in life. The choices made by those in Never Far Gone (NFG) are no exception. A series of seemingly minor decisions ultimately lead to the collapse of one of NFG’s most prominent factions.
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Explore the Theme of Never Far Gone (NFG) and the impact it has on the characters throughout the story.