u said that id leon is one of the most shameless. In which ways? 👀😏
I say that Infinite Darkness Leon is shameless, but it’s in an affectionate way. Truthfully, what I meant to say is that Leon becomes truly confident in himself - the ID era is the first time we see a Leon genuinely comfortable in his own skin.
From RE2 to RE4, Leon’s competence is defined by his survival of the impossible, but this doesn’t mean he is confident in himself. During RE2 and RE4, he projects confidence because he has to because both dire situations need him to have hope: to believe in himself.
In RE2, he was still labeled as the Rookie and he embodies this as he does look to others for advice when faced with uncertainty: Marvin Branagh (Senior RPD Officer) and Ada (when he still believed she was an FBI agent). In summary, he was acting brave then because he had to - it acted as a coping mechanism as the world fell apart around him.
The period between RE2 & RE4 is where he goes through the Specialized Military Training and went on other missions (i.e., Op Javier). He essentially gets up in a situation where he was once again the least qualified (surviving Raccoon City didn’t necessarily make him a qualified specialized operative) as his fellow trainees were career soldiers and individuals who probably wanted to be there (unlike Leon who was forced to). In a way, Leon most likely also felt that he didn’t belong: in want and established competence.
In RE4, this was Leon’s first and arguably most career defining mission. He was only sent in to investigate, but he survived the odds of the impossible and ended up achieving more than the original mission objective:
Rescued the President’s daughter (and brought her home in one piece with very minimal injuries)
Eliminated enemies such as Saddler (putting a stop to his plans for domination).
Survived the Las Plagas and gained insight on how it works.
Defeated Krauser (prev mentor figure), in a way this was Leon surpassing his mentor: proving to himself that he can outperform someone he once viewed as superior.
The Kennedy Report (one of the most infamous reports that is also referenced by the BSAA). This solidifies Leon was a valuable asset and “expert” in the field, rather than just a survivor with experience.
Then we enter the Degeneration & Prequel to ID eras, where Leon is specifically sent to lead-investigate-neutralize situations. In Degeneration, Leon is introduced as top-level government special agent who was dispatched by the President to aid/assist the local Special Response Team for the Harvardville Airport outbreak. In the ID Prequel, Leon is sent to Philadelphia specifically because of his expertise with bioterror investigations - he was sent specifically because of his knowledge. In both events, Leon is no longer just an operative - he is sent in as an advisor and to lead, which is also indicative of the high level government’s institutional trust in him.
But by ID, Leon has already proved to both himself and the other high ranking government officials his “value”.
Throughout ID, Leon’s presence and notoriety was established by the other characters.
His first appearance is where the helicopter pilot comments that Leon must be someone very important, because they received clearance very quickly to land.
Then he was introduced as the last member of the specialized bodyguard team for the president, Patrick initially discredits him but Shen Mei and Jason (an accomplished former special forces soldier) both spoke up for Leon despite not having interacted with him yet.
And, when Leon does enter the room, President Graham even acknowledges and thanks Leon personally for his efforts in rescuing Ashley.
Despite Jason’s title/background and his imposing physique, Leon never gets intimidated by Jason. The previous versions of Leon had always been respectful of systematic hierarchy and would often willingly follow in his superior’s leadership - Jason arguably in age and battlefield experience (decorated soldier and “Hero of Penamstan”) would theoretically had him a senior to Leon. Instead, Leon sees Jason as an equal (veteran to veteran) and Leon firmly stood his ground when he confronts Jason about his suspicions of treason. Important to note that Leon is definitely a hardened operative, as during the confrontation he had been the one to shoot Jason first as he no longer hesitates and lets his instincts take over.
Towards the end, the scene where Leon sends a message for President Graham to inform him of the truth, we see just how much trust the President has in Leon and how it even outweighs his trust in his fellow office members. And even without being presented with the evidence to support the claim, the President immediately changes his public remarks in response to what Leon shared - this reinforces that Leon’s judgment carries a significant weight within the administration.
Then, we have the infamous scene where Leon asks Shen Mei out for dinner (often interpreted as an attempt to ask her out on a date).
In RE2, Leon has had his flirtatious-coded moments with both Claire and Ada. In RE4, similar could be argued for his interactions with Ashley (although it’s often interpreted as a professional and an icebreaker to make Ashley more comfortable in their tense situation). Then, we have the Leon x Angela moments in Degeneration. But it is important to understand that every incident above happened when he was in danger and under a high intensity situation. But with Shen Mei, it was very causal and his demeanour was very playful - indicating that he wanted to “flirt” with her rather than using it as a coping mechanism.
Of course, the argument could be made that Leon simply wanted to get information from Shen Mei that he couldn’t get out of Jason - however, there were other more platonic and neutral leaning alternatives Leon could’ve opted for. Instead, we see Leon’s body language being very relaxed, facial expression very playful, and the delivery of his speech to be very suggestive.
He was also very confident, because he didn’t look embarrassed (even at the rejection) or second guessed himself. He even tries again, with his following “So?”. This shows how Leon is now confident with being a pursuer.
And how does this all translate into Leon being “shameless”? By ID, Leon’s overall competence, experience, and reputation all have converged into genuine self-confidence - allowing him to act with an ease and authenticity, thus making Leon being unapologetically himself.
He is shameless, because he no longer feels like an imposter.
He is shameless, because he no longer second guesses himself.
He is shameless, because the confidence in himself has eclipsed the insecurities that made him feel embarrassed at himself.
In terms of romance-coded scenarios, Leon being “shameless” could be interpreted as how he becomes less self-conscious about expressing attraction when he genuinely feels it. And it is in a “I don’t mind if she knows I’m interested. If she isn’t interested, that’s okay.” way.
He will initiate flirting more (despite how awkward it might end up being). Still expect one-liners, but these would be an attempt to genuinely attract instead of being a coping mechanism.
If he is in a relationship, Leon would exhibit playful behaviour such as wrapping his arms around the partner’s waist or kissing them on their neck. I also see him make subtle innuendos/dirty jokes here and there to keep things entertaining and spicy 🌶️
He would still remain respectful (because it’s just simply his inherent nature), but he wouldn’t be afraid to take the lead.
Before, his insecurities made him hesitant to define relationships. But, the confidence will allow him to ask the questions that’s been bothering him. If he needs reassurance, he will ask his partner if they love him - it is still in a teasing manner to mask his anxiety, but at least he is now unafraid to ask for that affirmation (although getting Leon to say “I love you” may still require more time and work).
