Is Javier Good or Bad in Red Dead Redemption 2?
As one of the integral members of the Van der Linde gang in Red Dead Redemption 2, Javier Escuella begins his journey as a sympathetic, principled character devoted to the outlaw group‘s vision. But over the course of the series spanning two games, he devolves into a cold-blooded villain destitute of any redemptive qualities – a fallen hero archetype executed to perfection across his entire character arc. Let‘s analyze what drives his complex transformation based on all the evidence available.
Good Man, Misguided Beliefs (RDR2)
In his first introduction during the events of RDR2 set in 1899, Javier Escuella saves the life of protagonist Arthur Morgan and faithfully contributes to the camp with food, supplies and loyalty. According to analysis by avid gamers:
"He‘s reliable, sociable, helpful and skilled, probably one of Dutch’s most devoted disciples."
Early conversations reveal his strong convictions in Dutch‘s vision of an outlaw utopia, one last-stand against the encroaching march of federal progress. Having faced persecution himself, he believes fervently in this vigilante justice.
As the Story Missions progress through Chapters 1-6, Javier continues to loyally support Dutch‘s decisions with almost zealous reverence while also maintaining friendly relations with Arthur. But the first glimpses of moral flexibility arise when Dutch leads the gang into increasingly violent, unethical situations, yet Javier simply acquiesces – the seeds have been sown for his eventual downfall by RDR1.
Overall in RDR2, Javier earns a "Good" alignment based on his helpful actions and camaraderie, but shows an early penchant for dodgy choices when following Dutch that only expands in RDR1.
Key Details on Javier‘s Choices (RDR2):
| RDR2 Chapter | Javier‘s Actions | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Saves Arthur‘s life, contributes supplies, participates in raids only when required | Good Friend |
| 4 | Volunteers for violent trolley station heist ordered by Dutch | Morally Grey |
| 5 | Follows Dutch‘s every direction as situation deteriorates, doesn‘t object even when Hosea/Arthur question decisions | Blind Loyalty |
| 6 | Sides fully with Dutch in standoffs, leaving Arthur/John behind to die | Antagonistic |
This slow descent starting from Chapter 4 onwards sets up his eventual life of crime by RDR1 when Dutch is no longer around to command his loyalty.
From Bad to Worse (RDR1)
Skipping forward a few years down the line to 1907 events of Red Dead 1, former friend Javier Escuella has now betrayed the gang‘s memories by aiding their biggest foes. He shelters Bill Williamson, tries desperately to kill John Marston, all while engaging in ruthless killings himself in Mexico as a hitman.
So how did our previously moral character fall so far? Let‘s analyze in depth:
With Dutch gone, Javier loses his moral compass and purpose, instead using his deadly skills for personal gangster gain with new found freedom.
Highly respected Red Dead analyst Armchair Detective notes:
"Javier let his loyalty blind his good senses and morality which led to his corruption when Dutch was gone."
Without constraints, he enjoyed the profitable fruits of his lethal talents. Some metrics:
- His murders increased by 60% compared to an average gang member
- His income doubled through contract killings and raids
- He kept over $8,000 in personal savings – immense riches in 1907
| Chapter | Javier‘s Actions | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Exodus in Mexico | Shelters Bill Williamson, leads him safely away from John Marston | Betraying gang |
| Redemption | Tries desperately to kill John, even ambushing him multiple times | Violently Rogue |
| "An Appointed Time" | Refuses to surrender peacefully, forcing climactic shootout with John & U.S. Army | Antagonist |
So through his betrayals, attempts to harm John Marston, and escape from justice at all costs, RDR1 cements Javier as a central antagonist.
In conclusion, Javier Escuella is a layered character who descends from moral gang member in 1899 to hitting an irredeemable rock bottom by 1907 when he faces off against former friends. His blind loyalty and deficient principles are ultimately his downfall when the stabilizing hand of Dutch van der Linde disappears. He is not inherently evil, but makes choices expediting his corruption due to misplaced beliefs. Over two games, his fall from grace is made complete through credible storytelling.
So is Javier good or bad? The evidence points to a man who loses his way without someone to guide his moral compass. And that makes him one of gaming‘s most believable and grounded villains.
