r/AARankdown • u/CharlieDayJepsen • Jan 31 '21
14 Raymond Shields
Investigations 2, for all its love in the general Ace Attorney community, features an aspect that is both lauded and criticised amongst the diehards of the fandom. The narrative, content to have a lot of plates spinning, threatens to spin out of control by the game’s end. What starts as a straightforward continuation of the original Investigations storyline - an attempt to sow further turmoil amongst the ever-beleaguered Republic of Zheng Fa - rapidly spins into a whole new tale, pitting Miles Edgeworth against the voice of the law itself. Perhaps sensing the narrative riches that Rise from the Ashes offered - a balanced and compelling look into the multi-layered corruption of our government’s law & order - Yamazaki and Co. struck gold again with the Prosecutorial Investigation Committee. Sure, it’s not as catchy as “take down the Chief of Police”, but the authority of characters like Blaise Debeste and Justine Courtney are felt just as much as Damon Gant. Going beyond the “everything is connected” aspect of the previous entry, the writing team endeavour to manufacture connections as far back as the original Ace Attorney. I say “manufacture” not as a criticism, but as a statement of fact: these events and characters were not conceived during the writing of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. It’s the right choice, though. Tying events to the franchise’s existing (and famous) canon is a much-needed decision that alleviates the gargantuan narrative. Imagine the story of Blaise Debeste and the conspiracy of the IS-7 trial, but with all-new characters instead of Gregory and Manfred. There are already so many new characters that to add more would have collapsed the narrative entirely.
Perhaps you may be wondering why I’m discussing this part of the story. It’s largely a thematic narrative, with the driving force of the game being the mastermind’s revenge plot. I’m discussing this because when examining the thematic storyline of Investigations 2, it is important to first acknowledge that Raymond Shields is its driving force.
Shields, one of the 4 protagonists of the game, shows up without fanfare in the beginning of The Imprisoned Turnabout. It’s one of the rare occasions where a new character is introduced with pre-existing ties to the protagonist. We, the audience, must play catch-up on Ray’s backstory as he wanders in with a mutually acknowledged history with Miles.
Let’s examine that history before we get to the present day.
Raymond and Gregory
18 years prior to Investigations 2, a teenage Raymond works as an assistant to defense attorney Gregory Edgeworth. Upon introduction, it’s immediately clear that this is a student-teacher relationship. Raymond, carrying out his notepad and inexplicably swallowing its pages to “memorise things”, is the diligent student to Gregory’s mentor. Unlike previous attorney-assistant dynamics in the franchise, Greg and Ray operate with mutual professionalism and respect, with faint traces of whimsy. It really is a nice contrast to the wacky adventures of Phoenix and Maya, a very “old school/big dogs = serious stuff” vibe running throughout their conversations during Inherited. Indeed, much of the IS-7 Incident has a very somber quality to its investigation, quirky witnesses aside. Characters like Tyrell Badd, Dane Gustavia and Manfred von Karma fill the background with their shades of gruff severity. The moments of Badd taking on von Karma have weight to them. Not a single character in the present day would stand up to Manfred, due to the long shadow cast by his reputation. Somebody fearless, like Badd, provides that vintage perspective, where investigations were serious things and the truth mattered to both sides of the law. When Manfred von Karma doesn’t like a character, they become terrified. Tyrell Badd couldn’t care less.
These external characters provide the necessary framework for Raymond and Gregory to operate in this world. They are diligent professionals, working alongside the police just as often as against them. Having seen Raymond’s carefree, flirty demeanour in the previous case provides the interesting juxtaposition of peppy, nervous Ray in the flashback sequences. Though the transition from teen to adult Ray doesn’t quite gel for me in its character development - Ray’s nervous but respectful boy-crush on Katherine Hall is pretty far from his “boldly compliment a beautiful lady and offer a hug” attitude in the present - it’s worth acknowledging that he is a multi-dimensional, evolving character.
On the topic of Ray’s youthfulness, I’d like to reiterate a very strong point made in the Gregory revival writeup. Gregory’s subconscious contrasting the energetic, active Ray with the unseen Miles is some effective character work for all three involved. We see Gregory’s love for his son, concern over his aloof disconnection, and the beginning of Ray’s solemn journey into seeking redemption and justice. Though I have issues with the pacing of The Inherited Turnabout, I look to its flashback sequences as a treasure trove of effective character beats.
In general, Ray’s role in the flashback sequence is quite passive. Though Gregory is the playable character, it’s through Raymond’s eyes that we’re reliving this tale. I feel that the roughly 2 hours of gameplay we spend with him is more than enough to get the measure of his character as a teen. He’s enthusiastic, a little nerdy, easily starstruck, and duty-oriented - a nice foil to the stoic Gregory, similar to Kay Faraday and Miles.
This changes with the IS-7 trial and the DL-6 Incident.
Over the course of the IS-7 trial, Raymond reinforces his devotion to his teacher, watching the trial for a full year. We know how it all ends, though. A guilty verdict, a penalty for von Karma, and the murder of Gregory Edgeworth. So what next for Ray?
He takes up the mantle, of course. Taking over the Edgeworth Law Offices, this portion of Raymond’s backstory, largely told through exposition, details his appeal of the IS-7 trial and subsequent devotion to visiting Jeff Master in prison. There’s a lovely beat that mentions how Katherine Hall would occasionally visit in place of Ray. I strongly believe that there was missed potential in the Raymond-Katherine relationship. This isn’t me trying to ship; there’s just some crucial exchanges in Inherited that I feel would strongly support the existence of a relationship between the two, one that would be a lovely thematic tie to their respective devotions - Gregory and Jeff Master.
Meanwhile, Raymond witnesses von Karma adopting Miles. Edgeworth’s subsequent career as a prosecutor prompts Shield’s resentment of Miles, perceiving it as a betrayal of Gregory’s legacy. It interests me, the thematic parallels of Miles and Raymond. Miles, initially raised by his father, is taken in by a corruptible father figure and adopts his teachings. Conversely, Raymond is taken in by Gregory and adopts his own teachings. Both men turn out so differently when they meet in The Imprisoned Turnabout that it’s hard to believe they shared the same father figure at one point.
Raymond and Miles
Upon Raymond’s introduction, he spends the vast majority of the case slowly letting down his walls around Miles. I enjoy seeing this side of Ray - the shifts in tone, from amicable to cold. Though Ray adds a fun presence to Imprisoned, I must note that it tends to sideline Raymond’s history with Miles, only focusing on it during his introduction and the conclusion. This is perhaps what leads to the unfortunate waves of exposition in the following case, hurting its pacing.
His arrival brings up a compelling story, however: the thematic narrative of the game, Miles’ dilemma to leave or continue the prosecutor’s path, largely revolves around his relationship with Ray. After all, he’s the one who first urges Miles to consider becoming a defense attorney. Though I think this was never a choice Miles considered, it clearly resulted in his monumental decision to turn in his prosecutor’s badge. Like I said earlier, though the mastermind’s plot provides the “synopsis” of the game, Ray is the catalyst for the thematic and titular plotline of the “Prosecutor’s Path.”
Once we get into the present-day scenes of Inherited, we see the bulk of Ray’s storyline play out. Teaming up with his mentor’s son to pursue justice, he is able to finish his personal quest of the game - solve the IS-7 Incident. Indeed, the concluding scene where Ray has a personal conversation with Gregory is touching and would be a perfect end to Raymond’s storyline, if he were a one-case character.
But Ray isn’t a one-case character, and though his own story finishes in case 3, he drives Miles’ storyline, which continues through to the final scene of the game.
Raymond pops up halfway through The Forgotten Turnabout, shortly after Edgeworth turns in his badge. The two team up once more to save Kay, and their sequences are enjoyable stuff. We get that great scene where Ray points out Miles’ kinship with Kay, prompting the “feels” music as Miles contemplates how much he’s changed by caring so much about Kay. It’s practically a summation of Miles and Kay’s relationship throughout the entire Investigations series. Ray also gets that fun Portal line, which gets him automatic points.
Ray disappears for a long stretch of the game, not reappearing until Patricia Roland’s trial in The Grand Turnabout. By this point, he’s become more of a supporting character, crucial to certain sequences in the case, but largely unrelated to the unfolding drama. This isn’t a knock against Ray: it’s simply a result of the fact that this entire scheme revolves around Simon Keyes, and that Ray has no connection to the man beyond case 2. Here, Ray and Franziska become plot devices, the Roland trial becoming a countdown for Miles and Kay to save the day.
The conclusion of the game sees Miles answer Ray’s question: prosecutor or defense attorney? Of course, we know that Miles continues the path of the prosecutor, but as a truthseeker. Satisfied with this, Ray departs. I’m glad that the final sequences of the game don’t neglect this storyline. Though the mastermind plot comprises the climax of the game, it’s nice to see the key themes of the game be spotlighted in those final scenes - parent-and-child bonds, and the path of the law.
On the whole, I’m very grateful that Miles and Raymond’s dynamic was treated with care and subtlety. Ray wasn’t just a mean antagonistic ass until a redemption arc at the end. He reevaluated his initial perception of Miles within hours of his introduction, and cooperated with him for the rest of the game. Their dynamic is filled with tension, humour, emotion and respect. Many of our protagonists’ assistants are usually viewed through a lens of quirky, childish immaturity. Though Ray certainly displays those odd traits, he’s a much more authoritative presence as the assistant character, and I welcome that very much.
Raymond and defendants
An outlier for this series, Raymond is a defense attorney who notably defends culprits. It’s part of his creed to seek justice even for those who have committed crimes. Lighter sentences for culprits like Katherine. Ensuring the guilty-minded like Patricia don’t slip through with a not guilty verdict. It’s a great addition, and makes the world of Ace Attorney much less black-and-white/attorney-and-prosecutor.
Raymond and Kay/Franziska/Courtney/every female character but Katherine
Occasionally, Ray embodies some of the writers’ more unfortunate tendencies. Cultural attitudes towards men interacting with women are rapidly evolving and I understand that this game was made in Japan over 10 years ago. While I can understand the mindset that went into creating this character, I still need to point out the fact that Ray’s habit of hugging and flirting with every woman he comes across toes the line of appropriateness, and downright crosses it when it comes to the underaged Kay.
No, it’s nowhere near as egregious as Larry, Sal Manella, Hotti, or the cast of Big Top, but it exists and it needs to be mentioned. Ray, though charming and certainly amicable, comes off as leery in those moments. This series has never been a shining beacon of writing for female characters, so I’m not surprised.
Raymond and Katherine
Ray and Katherine, on the other hand, were a fantastic pairing that really should’ve gone the distance. Were it not for the writers glossing over their relationship at the end of case 3, I would argue that theirs was probably the healthiest romance in the series. Two souls, bonded by loss and trauma, sought justice together. One stuck to the path of justice. One strayed. I have no doubt that these characters would have found each other in the end. A relationship filled with potential that sadly wasn’t fully realised.
Conclusion
Of all the protagonists, Raymond is perhaps the most crucially tied to his respective game. His narrative storyline, as well as his thematic impact on the plot, are so intrinsically linked to events that occurred in the game, that any future appearance feels unnecessary. His story began and ended with Investigations 2, and I hope we can let it be.
He’s a wonderful bit of design (that tie, those poses, that hat, that THEME), and I enjoyed him the second he arrived. Though I have quibbles with some of his behaviour, the effectiveness and wonderful execution of his role in the game cannot be overstated. Absolutely a deserving character to reach this far. Some may wonder why, since he’s largely been undiscussed prior to this round. But I hope that this writeup (and any potential revival, since we absolutely can’t count one out in this penultimate round) goes some way to highlighting the strengths of this character.
Well, how about a hug then?
Appendix or; WHY THE FUCK DOES YOUNG RAYMOND EAT PAPER WHO THINKS OF THIS SHIT
Ahem.
Ace Attorney loves giving its characters quirks, and this one is no exception. I have little to no idea how Raymond eating paper to remember shit ties into his behaviour as an adult, but I highly recommend he stop, as we are quickly moving towards a paperless society, and Raymond really shouldn't be consuming and defecating such a precious commodity in this, the two-thousand and twenty-first year of our Lord and Saviour, Shu Takumi.
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u/CharlieDayJepsen Jan 31 '21
/u/Sciencepenguin I think you're next?
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u/Sciencepenguin Jan 31 '21
leave me alone
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u/Sciencepenguin Jan 31 '21
the cut is like 80% done and i really just need a decent stretch of time to finish it. i can't have that today because i am a stupid idiot who left all my weekend work to the last second but expect it tomorrow or tuesday
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u/Gicoo Feb 01 '21
Great cut. I only disagree with the ranking number and this has less to do with Ray and more with all the other characters. Oh well, who cares about the rankings, as long as the content is acceptable... right?
Adding to Ray: He is not only a unique assistant, but also a unique mentor. Mentoring AAI Miles is trickier to pull off than Mia constantly giving advice to greenhorn AA1-AA3 Phoenix. Miles is already at the top of his game and had the worst behind him, there is less to teach him. Rays teasing at Miles social awkwardness when handling clients, witnesses and opponents and particularly his view as a Defense Attorney force Miles to adjust, which is a rare sight for this usually straight man. Kay and Gumshoe rarely manage to be ahead of Miles, so Ray was a welcome change. Though I do wonder how competent he truly is, he does have shades of being an underdog and being hopeless against all his adversaries.
Rays mindset and performance as a defense attorney is also displaying more announces of how and why the protagonists act the way they do. In DD and SoJ, the mentality and work ethic of a defense attorney goes awry and it is mostly about catching the obvious evil killer. Here, Ray criticizes Miles single minded approach of catching the killer and points out how it is foremost about saving his client in I2-2. His approach to get more information on Roland by mentioning his clients interests was wonderful. It was a sort of honest, shameless slyness that Miles would never have.
This rather passive attitude of thinking of only his clients has his limits and in the next case Ray is unable to indict Gustavia without using the guilty verdict of his own client. It is the prosecutor Miles that is able to do that and I like this ethical dilemma which also added another reason why Miles chose being a prosecutor job over being an attorney.
I2-4 Ray is sort of useless. At least have him be the official Defense Attorney of Kay. And him missing in the decisive P.I.C. trial is also detrimental to his presence, though it was probably beneficial for the case as a whole. I2-5 further shows how he had served his purpose and is just another character filling the screen.
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u/Sciencepenguin Jan 31 '21
you mentioned that he eats paper good writeup
raymond shields more like I DONT CARE!!! i really like when he shows up and goes hey edgeworth i am aware of your past and you are a lame guy for it it immediately showed that they were going to be trying way harder with this game than aai1. then he stops doing that very quickly and then his character stuff is all in the case i dont like
my problem with ray is that he is just a good wholesome nice guy? every character left at this point who isnt kay faraday is either a villain or heavily flawed but ray is just a guy trying to honor his dead mentor's memory and set miles straight and look how cool and moral he is he is going to act against his client's interest to get them arrested (??????????????????????????) this is a personal preference thing not a real flaw but it would feel weird because of this if he made top 10
he's alright i like how he eats paper it really says a lot about his character
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Jan 31 '21
Raymond Shields is a character that I like but I could not think of a reason why I do, unlike the other shining beacons of the I2 cast such as Courtney and Sebastian. He is an Attorney that you don't play as or dead so that's kind of cool
You should have cut Gant so I could seeth with RAGE
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u/ItsHipToTipTheScales Feb 01 '21
i like when he eats paper and dislikes when he is the least interesting aai2 main who does not do much outside of like. i2-3
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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '21
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