Question D

[Jonetta]

The team is called to a salvage yard where a human hand was discovered in the metal cube created from compressing cars. The unidentified remains were referred to as Rubik while they searched for a name. Was it disrespectful or not really relevant until they uncovered the person’s identity? Were you also on the lookout for how this case might tie into the re-enactments of Kim’s past?

[Sharon]

I didn't think Rubik's was disrespectful. To me it isn't any different than naming an unknown victim Jane/John Doe. In fact, not using John Doe makes the remains more important than the standard unknown victim. To me that is significant.

I felt like it was going to tie back to her loving foster family from the moment they were called to scene. It was another way to hurt Kim, and put me on edge. I was waiting for Kim to break down.

[Robin]

I'm not sure if it was disrespectful or not. But I would be afraid someone would call the unknown victim "Rubik" or accidentally put it in a report where it would come to the attention of the wrong person (family or reporter). That could be a real mess.

[Lynn]

I thought that was contrasted with the situation in which Kim almost struck another officer. What he said was disrespectful, but using the name Rubrik added humor to the situation without the same level of disrespect. At first, I didn't think it was connected in any way to the main case; it just seemed like a side case added for the purpose of lightening up the story with some humor.

[Jonetta]

I had to think about this for awhile. It didn’t feel disrespectful but I didn’t know why. When a victim is unidentified, any moniker will do until such time that person becomes known. Rubik had sort of an endearing quality to it given the circumstances.

I actually feel bad when an unidentified victim is labeled John or Jane Doe # whatever. That feels so anonymous, like “take a number.” When they came up with Rubik, that victim became more meaningful in my mind.

Not sure if I’m making sense or not but that man gained shape and form until he was named.

[Sharon]

I agree Jonetta.

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl)]

I think it was already mentioned that police use black humour to diffuse horrible situations. Although Rubrick did seem a bit disrespectful as it was making a joke out of the circumstances of the situation. More than John or Jane Doe which is a broad naming of an unknown deceased person. It's all relative I suppose, as further on in the book the police constable's attempt at black humour is so off it makes Kim lose it completely. So not appropriate in that situation.