The Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness Scene Fans Thought Went Too Far
The "Resident Evil" franchise originally started with a PlayStation videogame released in 1996, but it's come a long way. The game series eventually proved such a hit for the publisher, Capcom, that it spun into a full-fledged media franchise involving movies, television shows, and more, all of which revolves around a set of recurring characters who attempt to undo the machinations of the shadowy Umbrella Corporation, as well as its affiliates and subsidiaries. As for what, exactly, the Umbrella Corporation is usually up to? Zombies, and the corporation's attempt to create a perfect biological weapon, of course.
"Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness" was released by Netflix on July 8, 2021, and takes place between the events of "Resident Evil 4" and "Resident Evil 5." Featuring the characters of Leon S. Kennedy (Nick Apostolides) and Claire Redfield (Stephanie Panisello), "Infinite Darkness" tasks the characters with uncovering the origins of the "biological organic weapons" or "B.O.W." after an attack on the White House.
"Infinite Darkness" is a limited series that ran for four episodes. However, while many fans enjoyed the series, not every plot element evaded criticism. What exactly would be something fans of "Resident Evil" would think has gone too far in a series that involves zombies, tentacles sprouting from heads, and giant killer fetal babies? It comes down to the portrayal of one major character.
Fans weren't happy with Leon's portrayal
As it turns out, fans on Reddit didn't take issue with something gory or offensive, but rather, the characterization of one of the main players — Leon S. Kennedy.
Many acknowledged that Leon seems to be acting way out of character with his gleeful comments as he cuts down the infected. Leon has been a part of the franchise for a long time: He made his debut in "Resident Evil 2," where he attempts to flee a zombie-ridden Racoon City, and has appeared in many games since. Leon is usually a stoic figure, who tends to focus on the mission at hand — which only makes his newfound sadism in "Infinite Darkness" that much more apparent.
"Yeah that bothered me. These were humans. Why bother to insult them? Is this a localisation problem? The writers are Japanese so who's translating them to be this bad? They're acting like swearing is some mature witty writing," stated Reddit user MassLoopAfk. Other comments echoed this sentiment, and added that Capcom seemed to be writing Leon as an "abrasive jerk" ever since the release of "Resident Evil 4." Reddit users noted that the zombies in question were just victims of a terrorist attack, and so his attitude seemed out of line. As one user said, "It bugged me to. These people were victims of an attack not terrorists."
Much of the discussion revolving around "Infinite Darkness" focused on the writing, and the actions of the characters, but the uneven portrayal of Leon seems particularly notable to many fans. All things considered, if your series involves a great deal of body horror and undead, then it seems that fans want you to make sure your leads are consistent.