The release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has been a very mixed bag, with players becoming frustrated by performance issues despite the otherwise enjoyable open-world format. Despite the controversial reception of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players seem to be united in their appreciation for one particular character, who responds to past criticisms of the series in a new and innovative way.

This article will have some spoilers for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Within the Pokemon series, Gym Leaders often have a particularly difficult time establishing a memorable identity. Typically sporting a team comprised exclusively of their chosen type and not putting up an overly difficult fight if the player has a solid understanding of type matchups, many struggle to leave an imprint on the player once the dust has settled. Moreover, due to most leaders being defined by the type of Pokemon they use, both in terms of visual design and characteristics, some of them tend to bleed into one another. As a result of this, many fans claim that few Pokemon Gym Leaders are memorable, the majority being bland and unexciting with no particularly defining qualities.

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However, one brilliant aspect of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is how it responds to these criticisms through the character of its normal-type Gym Leader, Larry, whom fans have lauded as "very relatable," and who "hit painfully hard." However, rather than possessing a conventionally tragic backstory, Larry is instead as normal as they come, working an office job and being quite disillusioned with his boss. Embodying the word normalcy without leaning too far into cliché, Larry instead becomes a memorable character through representing the harsh reality of the real world. Players can find him sitting at the bar of the Treasure Eatery restaurant and need to speak with him as part of his gym challenge. Upon the player ordering the correct dish, Larry will stand up and reveal himself as the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Medali Gym Leader before reluctantly challenging the player.

While so many Gym Leaders have striking designs indicative of the Pokemon type they command, Larry wouldn't even stand out in a crowd - a smart reference to his normal-type specialty. His jaded disposition also explains his preference for normal Pokemon, not caring enough for the role of Gym Leader to make it a full-time position and instead opting to make an annual salary as a quintessential office worker. His lack of splendor and optimism are also particularly striking when compared to other Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Gym Leaders.

His final words to the player upon giving them the TM Facade are also particularly memorable, telling the player he hopes they never have to put on a facade of their own. Just as he neglects to follow his childhood dreams by instead becoming an office worker, Larry also doesn't even stay true to his normal typing, later reappearing as a member of the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Elite Four who specializes in flying-type Pokemon. All of these features combine to tell a subtly depressing story, with Larry being an old and dulled character in a game with endless possibilities -- something many older players with lengthy careers feel they can relate to.

Though all initially seems to be doom and gloom, there is yet another subtle glimmer of hope for Larry as a character. Despite claiming he is being forced to be a Gym Leader and member of the Elite Four without caring much for either position, Larry makes sure he includes his trusty Staraptor in both teams, suggesting the two share a meaningful bond and enjoy battling together despite Larry's otherwise detached and uncaring demeanor -- once again explaining why he hands you the TM Facade after beating him for the first time. Ultimately, Larry is a brilliant example of how to create an iconic Pokemon Gym Leader without the need for pompous outfits or unrealistic exchanges, instead leaning into real-world tropes to tell a subtle story that many players wish they couldn't relate to as much as they do.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

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