Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is an entry with a lot of new characters, due to multiple storylines, but one stands out: Larry. He’s the first person everyone meets at the Medali gym. However, while he’s not immediately flashy or memorable at a glance, the character development around him is phenomenal. There’s a lot of personality there, even if one has the least interaction, and that makes him one of the best characters in the game.
Editor’s Note: There will be content disclosures for Pokemon Scarlet and VioletHead of the regular Medali gym, Larry below.
His whole demeanor feels very similar to everything people deal with in everyday life. He has a boss who lets him down. We, too! Not only did he note that being beaten by us “is still better than being cornered by my boss.” To get there, he basically had to do two jobs. (In his words, “Unfortunately for me.”) We have to do that too. Like Larry, we too must follow instructions at work, even if we know an easier or more efficient way. Again, during the match against the Elite Four, Larry said, “…Well, the boss told me to use a different one here.” But we also have times when we are still ourselves, even at work. In his Elite Four keynote, he suggested that he choose his gym type by saying, “…I use normal type Pokemon, because I feel they have a lot in common with me. I.”
Also, I think he’s trying to be funny? Like Larry is a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet player with a complete poker face. So there are times when what he says can be serious. But I got the feeling he was being sarcastic when he gave some of his lines. Or maybe he’s trying to be awkward? For example, when you beat him at the Medali gym, he says, “You’re pretty good, aren’t you? Even enough to bring out my poker face.” Also, when handing us his Facade TM, he said, “Though hopefully a kid like you doesn’t need to give him the same name.” Yes, he can be completely serious. That also suits his personality. But a part of me feels like he’s trying to make a joke, even though someone might not “catch”. I even said “This is better than being cornered by my boss” as an attempt at humor, as we’ve met Pokémon Federation President Geeta several times and she seems pretty nice. and polite.
Not to mention that whole “normal” thing really resonated with me. Larry is an everyday person with a job. He’s not fancy or flashy like some gym chiefs. He doesn’t have an attractive “gimmick”. There is something comforting in it. Knowing that someone doesn’t have to be a famous artist, charismatic enough to be a streamer, or gorgeous to be a big and influential figure in the community. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet world, because you can only be a Larry.
And honestly? I also like Larry’s flexibility in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. He’s more than just the usual gym head at Medali. He is an Elite Four member who specializes in flying types. His Staraptor even does double duty for both teams. That’s great, because we see how versatile a dual type Pokemon can be with that.
Pokemon is a series that can often rely on farce for its characters and it’s refreshing to see someone like Larry in scarlet and Violet. He’s so different and so approachable. In fact, I might even say a year ago, my life made me feel like I was in a similar situation. It’s exciting to see someone like him and to see a “normal” guy so attractive.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet available for Nintendo Switch.
