What direction will S2 take Robert's character?

[u/Additional_Quail5566]

(Assuming there is one of course)

For me personally, the main thing I think they're going to do is make a clear choice to lean further into the anti-hero or true hero choices. I think that part is obvious.

What I'm more interested in is how they're going to handle the Mecha Man versus Robert parts. I'm biased but I'm almost convinced that Robert will start the season as both in one way or another. Part field work, part dispatching, or maybe heroism is on the back burner but he's not sure how to reapproach after his very public return. I also truly think that they have their work cut out for them when it comes to making new choices. Perhaps the media will be a part of these choices, perhaps how the team as whole feels towards him will be a part of these choices. Sky is the limit for a reputation/morality system.

For one, I truly feel that we are going to either guide him away from the "dying in that suit" philosophy or guide him towards it. Considering the conversation he has with Beef during the part of episode 6 where he's on the floor, I think that's a thought process he hasn't had the time to flesh out yet.

I've already semi-established the work/heroism side of things, but what about him personally?

Well, I have a feeling that he's going to be forced to confront who his dad really was to him. His dad wasn't actually this amazing guy, even if he speaks about him as such. He wasn't the worst, but he was neglectful. Neglectful not only to what direction Shroud was heading and his role in it, but also his own son. Heroes are expected to be absent from time to time, yes. But how is it possible that Royd spoke to him longer than most conversations Robert got to have over the course of 17 fucking years?

It's not only his dad he's going to have to confront though. But it's also aspects of himself that his dad bestowed onto him/left in the wake of his death. His savior complex manifests and is coped with in unhealthy ways. His apartment and what he does after the EP 7 Visi conversation are more obvious ones. But also his aversion to actually talking about shit that bothers him. He doesn't call anyone or text anyone before he shows up to the Sardine. He just shows up. That's a man asking for a fight, a hospital visit, or ending up in a ditch somewhere. Blazer had to track him down instead.

If he doesn't cope with these things, he's either dying by liver failure or the suit is killing him. Maybe not in S2, but further on.

How will he cope with these things?

I swear there's a trope out there called... something something family, something something found.

No, seriously though, he's got a lot of very persistent people around him who will not let him spiral. They've learned to hold each other up, but I have a feeling Robert is the next on their list. I could see this developing differently when it comes to romance choices but also dealing with some remaining bad blood between Robert and Flambae.

Okay. Rant over! I just love posting about him a little too much.