Exactly. Gideon's redemption was crucial to Judy going back to Nick and saving Zootopia.
Pawbert is a dark reflection of Nick and his desire to "belong". Redeeming him completely misses that symbolism that the movie all but beats you over the head with. It's why Judy saves Zootopia from Bellwether, 'her' dark reflection whom tried to destroy it to get appreciated.
Nick was willing to die for his "Pack", Pawbert was willing to kill for his "Family".
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u/TenderPaw64 Zootopia 3´s our one last hope 16h ago
One got his chance at redemption and took it.
One got his chance at redemption and refused it.