So What is Actually Wrong With the Bakers?
The Bakers are homicidal, you learn that right at the beginning of the game. After dealing with Mia in the beginning, you’re knocked out and taken to the main residence where you sit down for a disgusting supper and see how uniquely terrifying each member of the family is. But surely, they can’t have always been like this, right?
After your first fight with Jack Baker, it becomes clear that he isn’t simply killable. Guns, explosions, and even a chainsaw destroying 60% of his body don’t stop him. He’s able to regenerate from mortal wounds over time, becoming a vigilant hunter out for you. In the beginning of the game you witness Jack cut of Lucas’ hand, but later it’s returned to normal. The same can be said of Marguerite and even Mia who you you attacked with an axe and a firearm.
It turns out that they’re infected with a new virus that they’re apparently highly compatible with. The virus is spread by contact with an E-Series infected, which turned them into a D-Series. It works as a fungus, slowly replacing cells as it works its way up to the brain. It creates rapid regeneration within subjects as well as drastically improved strength. The downside is that as it reaches the brain, the E-Series is able to exhibit control over you.
The dark effects of the mind control are made clear during a flashback memory that shows Jack and Zoe talking to Ethan normally, presumably while the E-Series controlling them is busy elsewhere. In the beginning of the game, you’ll notice your hand being stapled on by someone saying “don’t die on us yet.” It’s not in the same room where you reawaken to dinner. It’s actually the living room just to the right of you. When trapped later on in the game, you receive the full memory which has Jack pleading with you to free them from this virus, to save his family. He was once a good man (you find out he was a Marine by searching his bedroom), and he doesn’t want to kill anymore.
The E-Series that the Baker family has come into contact with in Resident Evil 7 makes them kill, in order to keep them isolated from the world, as well as test out others to see if they’re compatible with the virus just as they are. Of course there’s more to having them kill than just being test subjects. The extra bodies are wanted for a much deeper reason, which begins to reveal how twisted the creation of this virus really is.
