The Walking Dead Game talk cause I am in DIRE need to do so.
While playing Season One, I could not hate Lily, but I also never hated Kenny. Having grown up in a community that praised Kenny while demonizing Lily, I had walked into playing it trying to keep an open mind, and found myself enjoy Lily's character.
She placed herself as a leader, and it's not like anyone else faught for the spot either, yes Kenny disagreed, but he never outright challenged her for the spot. He just gave his input on things, being more focused with caring for his family. Lily was in charge of handling food rations and when she noticed that their supplies was disappearing didn't start accusing or threaten anyone, she pulled Lee aside—someone she trusted—to act as a detective on the matter. I honestly find Lily and Lee's interactions so underrated because of how much she trusted him, enough so that if you keep her after the incident she will ask you to get Clem so they can all leave.
Granted, the story needed Lee and Clem to stay so they make her just steal it anyways. I have no doubt if telltale had the chance, they would have given us the opportunity to experience a life where they had ran away with Lily—especially when a few people feel strongly against Kenny.
Back on my main topic, I'm playing season four for the first time and I couldn't help but get flashbacks to all the posts I've seen hating on Marlon for his actions. Personally, he deserved to live. He was right about making the "right calls" because at the time it was what felt like the only good option. They were kids left alone in the apocalypse, and as the designated leader, Marlon had to think of the bigger picture; anything to make sure the kids he grew up and partially raised were safe. Even if it meant being forced to trade a few for safety.
The raiders posed a large threat to them, because what could children do against people more experienced with combat? They would be helpless, and Marlon knew that. Marlon even mentions that if he were less cowardly he would have orchestrated a rescue for the twins. It's just the weight of being the leader (the grief of all those they lost, 30 or so children as he mentioned) and being the one everyone relied on became too much, and Marlon didn't know how to ask for help.
Nothing I say is meant to excuse any action he committed, because he was in the wrong and deserves punishment, but I wish he stuck around to be able to prove himself worthy of being called a leader once more.
I also really liked Marlon's interactions with Clem before the incident, they were really sweet and you could tell he was pretty genuine.