Why does the Architect in the 'Matrix Reloaded'...?

Question

So, why does the Architect in the "Matrix Reloaded" offer Neo with two choices?

1. One choice is for him to select from the Matrix twenty-three individuals (making a total of seven males and sixteen females) to be freed so they could found a new Zion. The One would then die, and a prophecy of his return would be spread, continuing the cycle: that is Humans are still trapped in the Matrix and the whole cycle goes on and on

2. Another choice for him is to refuse to cooperate and return to the Matrix in an attempt to save Zion. This would lead to a massive system crash, killing all of the inhabitants of the Matrix. Coupled with the destruction of Zion, this would ultimately mean the extinction of humanity AND the destruction of the machines as well as they depend on the humans' bodies' as an energy source

So my question is, why does the Architect, in all his unlimited power offer the second option at all when it means the destruction of the machines (which means him as well, as he is a program)?????????

I am confused, because the whole Matrix franchise doesn't make any sense when considering the above quandary.

Answer 1

It was always about choices. Just like a computer program, it needs a "choice" to go to the next program. And like they said "a computer program is going to follow the program". Neo just found a way (hacker/savior) around it.

I viewed the movies as a comparison between Christ and Neo when I sat and watched them over and over again. A movie about a modern day Savior.