Robert in Season 2 (Spoilers for the game)

Since Episode 8 concluded the saga of Robert via. a Mechaman return, Shroud's defeat, Mandy losing haircolour and Visi's whatever the fuck she has going on, lots of speculation is made around what the premise of Season 2 would be and what the story is about in essence. Of which, the one I see most commonly is the idea of a character shift to Mandy becoming a Dispatcher with our revolving or even new Team, as either Robert or Chase take over the mantle as SDN's boss.

And whilst I like to flirt around with that idea, and it does indeed sound very fun, I think the simplest and most likely turn for the second season is for Robert to just be seated as Dispatcher again for Season 2. Not just for practical reasons, as there wouldn't need much changed through story or gameplay for the season to be quickly established. But narratively for Robert aswell.

Because really, Robert returning to the Mecha-Man suit seems like a regress for his character/livelihood in my eyes. The legacy he felt he needed to uphold through his father and grandfather before him left him emotionally jaded, financially ruined and passively suicidal to the point where it felt like dying in that suit was the only outcome for him. And he likely went to the warehouse ambush with the intent of enacting revenge at sacrifice to himself. And had Mandy not saved him in their first meeting and offered him a job, there was no telling where he would've ended up.

Working at SDN. Mentoring a team of reformed criminals. Helping them become heroes and succeed where he failed. That is what breathed life into Robert. What made him realise that maybe he is meant for more than just Mecha-Man. That being a hero is more than just to sacrifice. The Dispatch job is essentially his redemption from his presupposed failures, and a start to a newer, more fulfilling life. Yes being a hero is what Robert wants. Doing good is in his nature. But the Z-Team helps him realise that there are more ways to do good than he realises. And that there doesn't need to be a Mecha-Man for that to be possible.

My credence for why I believe this to be true is the fact, that the final celebration of the story, including the notoriety the Z-Team gained by news headlines, comes without even a mention of Mecha-Man. It is not even mentioned what Dispatcher assisted in taking down Shroud. If it had been the case, that the media highlighted Mecha-Man's triumphant return to exact revenge on the Red-Ring, then Robert would likely have been compelled to take up the mantle again. But that doesn't happen. It is no longer about just him. It is about the Team; the Z-Team to be exact. And them becoming the heroes. The gates have opened for Robert to leave the depressing life he had behind. To be a hero without further sacrifice to his well-being. To live the life he has denied himself at age 11. That's what I think is most essential for his character.

Now I'm not saying I'm right or that anyone else's idea for the second season is wrong. I can imagine even in my scenario about a potential drama between Robert wanting to be Mecha-Man again and how it conflicts with his relationships or what else. I just believe the story has no need for Robert to be Mecha-Man again. And I believe him being a Dispatcher again is the easiest, most straightforward path for the narrative to take. Still really excited to be proven wrong though!