Why Mike went back for Nick.

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2010)

The character of Michael in Deer Hunter is very straight forward and is by-the-book. He does things in the most efficient and direct way possible, and logically he keeps his promises. So, after Nicky has asked that Michael not leave him behind in Vietnam, the no-nonsense Michael feels bound to follow through on Nicky's request. Even if it means risking his own life. After losing Nicky in the underworld of collapsing Saigon, Michael returns home. Although not acted upon before leaving for war, Michael's romantic relationship with Linda becomes more real and physical with the absence of Nick. However, Michael feels uncomfortable being in a relationship with Linda since she was Nick's girlfriend and the condition of Nick is unknown. Since he can't really put himself entirely into a relationship with Linda without closure from Nicky and because of his promise to Nicky, he is forced to go back to Vietnam to bring him back home.