Scarlet Pearl is such a complex construct.
She feels like the epitome of "I'm not a bad dog. I don't know why I bite." She has so much power, and danger behind her but she has no idea why she does any of it.
She's a result from the treatment of others, every rejection sends her spiralling and everything she does to try and break away from the ideas people have and show she doesn't care only seem to prove them right.
Absolutely the main character of double life, and she deserved that win so much.
But then it's also fascinating how it extends into later seasons. People have seen how strong she is, and now they want her in their side. But Pearl isn't a psychotic killing machine naturally.
Again, Scarlet Pearl is a result. Specifically, a result of being abandoned, rejected, ostracized. So when she's teamed with someone, she isn't going to be like that. Obviously. A little unhinged, sure. But it's the life series, almost everyone will be unhinged at some point.
But she still does it anyway, to please people. Prime example of this is Past Life, so I love how her teammates not only experience grief, but guilt, for pushing her to be reckless like that.
And then in Secret Life the parallels between Scar and double life Pearl are crazy. It makes so much sense why she chose him over Gem, and then the parallel of Scott's sacrifice not working this time around.
In my opinion Scarlet Pearl is an anomaly. The one who should actually have this sort of reputation is Gem.
Girlie is a mastermind planner, the amount of assisted traps and kills in Wild Life and Past Life were actually insane. And then the apocalypse in Secret Life? Crazy. And she actively uses the narrative to her advantage, using interactions and favours with other teams to her advantage to boost herself and her teammates. Gem doesn't have to be pushed or pressured into doing any of that, she's just like that.
Anyway, this is said with all the love for the creators, I love everyone involved in the life series and the stories/silliness involved
(and Pearl said she's bringing back Scarlet Pearl vibes for Pantheon and I actually can't wait to see!!)