I think Pazuzu would have wiped the floor with Karras in a matter of minutes if he tried to perform the Exorcism on his own.
The advice Merrin gave him definitely helped (“The demon is a liar”, etc.) and just the way Pazuzu ripped through Karras’ weakness toward the sight of his mother was evidence enough.
I think if Karras performed the exorcism on his own, both he and Regan would have died.
I must agree with Captain Howdy. It is obvious from the start of the Exorcism that FR.Karras is like a deer in headlights.He was just in such awe in whats going on that he forgets when to answer FR. Merrin in the middle of the Exorcism rights.
He gets his groove per say when it too late …
Yes its safe to say that Fr. Karras would not have lasted that long in there with Pazuzu if he alone was to perform the exorcism.
you know maybe if karras went to perform the exorcism on regean by himself it might have been successful. Instead of having merrin with him. which caused his death and snapped karras. which caused his death as well! what do you all think?
We wouldn’t have a story without both the Exorcist and the priest. After all, the demon was just getting revenge on Merrin after the battle in Iraq (which he obviously won) and Karras was an ideal target for getting Merrin into the exorcism. Karras was just a pawn in this game of chess. The checkmate was Merrin.