We Have Been Destroyed... | RED DEAD REDEMPTION Blind Playthrough ENDING | Part 23

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

First off, thank you to everyone for being a part of our Red Dead Redemption journey! This franchise has been very special to us and we're grateful that we had to the opportunity to share this experience with you all :) We hope you enjoy yet another emotionally damaging finale lol In regards to Undead Nightmare, we won't be playing it right away because we are in the middle of moving and things are a bit chaotic. We'll keep you updated though!

[@kavoozle2145]

The fact that Jack started with so many people in his life who cared and were there to look out for him, but he ends up with absolutely no one is devastating. Also, I love the parallel of the first and last time Jack and Ross meet, with someone being approached unexpectedly beside a river just with the roles flipped.

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Ooooh we can't believe we missed that parallel! Riding with Jack at the end really felt really lonely :(

[@jonathanmachleit]

@@EricSarahLevelUp well Jack Marston didn't lose everybody sure Red Dead 1 is not very much open world like Red Dead 2 but there still is Sadie Adler Charles Smith tilly Jackson and Marybeth still out there somewhere

[@lukefitton7329]

@@jonathanmachleit True but Jack will barely remember them most likely, I’m sure he liked them but he didn’t care about them enough to feel like he still has any family left.

[@jonathanmachleit]

@@lukefitton7329 yeah that is true but I was just trying to point out that there are other gang members that are still alive besides Jack

[@GinjerFour]

​@@jonathanmachleitCharles is in Canada, Sadie left for South America, and the girls will never have any contact with Jack.

[@J03J3rk0ff]

By the way the final “I Know You” mission foreshadowed John, Abigail, and Uncle’s death. The stranger stands in the spot the family is buried in when he says it’s a beautiful spot. When John proceeds to shoot him he fires four shots, one for him, Abigail, and Uncle, the guns jams on the fourth shot, sparing Jack.

[@PatrickMusilek]

THAT is storytelling right there! So awesome!

[@q__________]

also I think after the credits of RDR2, John and Abigail were standing in the same spot looking over the ranch

[@Wolf_Dominic]

Is there a point where they do that final one?

[@J03J3rk0ff]

Part 18. 33:33 minutes in

[@Wolf_Dominic]

@@J03J3rk0ff Thank you.

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

*Rdr2* jack: I wanna be a gun slinger when I grow up! Abagail: over my dead body! *Jack took that literal*

[@M3TAH34D]

Ross helped him out

[@SidPhoenix2211]

In the end, Uncle truly was one of the realest ones in the gang. For all of his bullshit and laziness, he was with us till the ugly end. #LumbagoSolidarity

[@jytvreal]

He outlived most of the gang by being lazy

[@iketurner8212]

​@jytvreal A dose of laziness everyday/keeps the grim reaper away.

[@psilocydreams]

“The day John Marston stopped shooting…” That line from jack always hit me so hard :(

[@KerbalOnDres1]

I think that should have been the name of the mission.

[@maazuponvelocity]

​@@KerbalOnDres1would've been a spoiler, kind of

[@KerbalOnDres1]

@@maazuponvelocity The Last Enemy That Shall be Destroyed isn't?

[@LawIsLow]

Like John said, People don’t forget, nothing gets forgiven.

[@BazookaGamingGirl]

The ending of RDR has always hit me harder than the ending of RDR2. We knew Arthur’s death was coming, so while it was still sad, it didn’t hit as hard as it would have if we didn’t get the diagnosis earlier. John’s came out of nowhere and was very surprising to most players because this is one of the first games that ended with the main character dying. Your playthrough of both games has definitely been one of my favorites and I will likely rewatch it multiple times. Undead Nightmare some of the best DLC I’ve seen in anything, so I’m very excited for when you play that. Anyway, I’m gonna enjoy the video now.

[@L4ftyOne]

Facts. John the GOAT

[@L4ftyOne]

RIP John Undead Nightmare sidemissions are so so good

[@BornRanger]

John: dies Game: NEW ITEMS FOR SALE!

[@ALEXANDER-jl1cn]

lmaoo

[@lobid9585]

John’s death hits so much harder than Arthurs as he was sick when he gave his life for John.. When John realised that Abigail and Jack never would have a chance of a good life as the goverment would never leave him alone , he gave his life for them.. The deep sigh from John before he opens the barn doors hurts so much..

[@piegonegaming]

I respectfully disagree. In my opinion, Arthur's death was way more tragic. RDR1 would have never happened if it weren't for Arthur. He gave and sacrificed his life for John's, even though he didn't have the best feelings about him because John ran away from his duties as a father.

[@LMG5123]

John's fate was sealed the moment he went after Micah. It gave Ross the breadcrumb trail right back to him.

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Sad, but true :(

[@GinjerFour]

That and moving right next door to their headquarters where he was a wanted man in multiple states. All just to please Abigail. John was simping hard for that woman until it killed him.

[@jytvreal]

not really simping if your married and have a child@@GinjerFour

[@ghostyhype_btw4303]

he would have been found anyway as he wasn't exactly hiding or moving state he was getting bank loans in his real name in blackwater.

[@valdivia8383]

And Abigail’s pleas to him not go after Micah after Author told John not to look unfortunately sealed his fate and gave Ross the breadcrumbs to follow his whereabouts

[@TheMcFather]

Keep in mind jack is 19 here. He is still a teenager all by himself with no family. Red dead really is a tragic story

[@sangun123]

not only that, 19 at the turning point when ww1 was starting to rumble, he was likely drafted

[@brunogamesbr1]

@@sangun123 on the other hand, that could be a chance to get clean, this time for real, stopping the cycle of revenge, he just murdered the "legendary" fed that killed john marston, and before that he asked multiple people that knew Ross where he was, he was going to be hunted down for sure, if he can get a pardon by joining the war and kicking imperial german ass he could still satisfy his parents wish and live a normal life, if you take the gta easter egg as canon then that's what he did and became a writer

[@toob_noob4381]

​@@sangun123 probably went off grid somehow. Ain't no way he's risking his life for a country that took everything from him

[@RamonHernandez-tj9fz]

Jack at the end is just a broken man. There's a video on KZbin where they show all of Jack's lines during free roam and some of them are depressing. If Jack has low honer he's extremely angry and resentful, if he has high honer at least to me he seemed like he's someone who just wants to die.

[@jsauceda9340]

1:06:09 Jack actually ended up writing a book! In GTA5 you can see a book titled "Red Dead" by J. Marston on a bookshelf in a characters home. Which implies that Jack "made it", or at least made it enough to write and publish a book assumedly about his fathers outlaw days

[@two-bearshigh-fiving9293]

Yeah its also specualted he lived until 1990-1992

[@Mchiqa]

Yes, red dead depression 😅🥰 Played this when it came out - and I remember I got very attached to John. Playing RDR2 it was nice to get to know Uncle, Abigale and Jack better. It was also another experience playing RDR when it came out because the graphic was top notch considering the time. 😅

[@morpho5539]

I also played this before rdr2 and I’ve always cried when John dies.

[@simonrockstream]

You two playing Red dead is the thing I look forward to the most every week! Thank you so much for all the things you share with us :D Thanks for the journeys

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Thank you Simon :)

[@christiandavidlenz6300]

Forreal ! So sad it is almost done now !

[@Ar2_Dee2]

The story of two men(Arthur and John) who tried their best even if it was too late. Arthur's sacrifice to save John and the epilogue in 2 takes a different meaning when you know how RDR 1 ends

[@EruveyConB]

The song at the credits "a dead man's gun" is often considered to be about Arthur or John sacrifice... But! I think that is about Jack and the emptiness that follows his revenge On a side note there's a special sheriff outfit that can only be weared by Jack, so maybe he became one after the events of the game

[@TheJedux]

Did you notice when the guy with the top hat tells john "this is a nice place isn't it?" its where john and abigal are buried.

[@Ar2_Dee2]

A RDR 2 dialogue in the epilogue: Abigail:How many times do i need to bury you John Marston? John:Never you ain't never burying me

[@J03J3rk0ff]

What I love about the entire franchise is Jack’s fate, putting it all into perspective and with the context of Arthur it really is a tragic epic. Jack can’t escape the sins of his father and is fated to become an outlaw. Jack becomes what Arthur and John laid down their lives to prevent, to give Jack a chance at a better life only for him to become an outlaw. Jack is Dutch, a well educated gunslinger with a grudge against authority.

[@tonyramos1031]

Now-a-days there are tons of video games with cinematic storytelling to be emotionally invested in the main character's story. But back when this game came out, This was first one that made me feel for the story and I felt like I was in mourning after

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

“When I’m gone, they’ll find another monster. They have to, to justify their wages.” I still think there’s a part of John when he’s saying goodbye to Abigail and Jack, that is proud to be going out that way, for his family. It’s the values he saw in Arthur and loved him for and he gets to pay it forward.

[@samuelclayhills3298]

41:34 In red dead redemption 2 in the epilouge Uncle says that they are going to have to bury him there and after sits down at the exact same spot where he died. Hell after playing red dead redemption 1 so many moments and lines become even more tragic and ironic.

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

Jack Marston died at age 97, after fighting in WW1, became a successful author and rancher. So rdr3 would be a prequel to rdr2 with a young Arthur and van der linde gang, in the prime wild wild west

[@sangun123]

playing a young hosea would be sick af, lol doing robin hood type shit with a young dutch before the stupid philosophy taints his mind, maybe even teaching a young confused arthur the ropes, meeting grimshaw

[@sreenaths6829]

​​@@sangun123I would love it if they added it as a DLC to RDR2. It would be nice for a change to see Dutch's PLANS actually work! 😅 But I think RDR3 should be a brand new story set in the prime days of Wild West with new characters.

[@randompeople465]

The finale mission is gonna be the fery job in blackwater.

[@yvespenaflor4610]

​@@sreenaths6829Landon rickets as a main character would be dope

[@SidPhoenix2211]

In the RDR2 epilogue, there is a moment where John opens a set of barn doors and exits it (during the mission where he goes to fight the Laramie Gang for Geddes, and kills the guy who was shit-talking Abigail)... It was a GREAT moment cuz it ABSOLUTELY harkened back to his final moments in RDR1... where he collects himself, and slowly opens the barn doors with both hands and steps out. Unmistakeably connecting his ultimate end (RDR1), with his jump back into the life of violence (Epilogue in RDR2). And all this comes from a simple barn door opening animation lol

[@sreenaths6829]

Dude I still get chills whenever I open that damn barn door in RDR2 even in free roam! 😅 😢

[@mrtyone]

Johns death still hits me harder than Arthurs. Especially after RDR2 came out

[@BTRisELEVATING]

It's so bittersweet seeing you finish up the RDR story. Both games hold a special place in my heart. I think you will also have lots of fun playing undead nightmare when you get to it!

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Yeah these experiences have been unforgettable ones! Thank you for being here for them :)

[@NewFoundLife]

I played Red Dead Redemption when it came out and playing RDR2 hurt so much more knowing what happens in RDR. You also pick up on a ton of references and connections. The scene where the Pinkertons approach Arthur while he's fishing with Jack mirrors the ending of RDR when Jack approaches Ross while he's fishing. When Abigail is mad at John for not hiding his identity better and staying out of trouble, and she's 100% correct. John killing Micah alerted the authorities to his location, which is shown in the final scenes of RDR2 when the agents track John back to his home. It's also pretty much confirmed that Micah was still backstabbing Dutch and working with the authorities. He was going to turn Dutch over to them, so when John killed Micah they needed someone else to go after Dutch. And of course, all the moments when John isn't a great father in RDR2 hurt more knowing how much he loves being a father in RDR. Also, Arthur talks about having a son, Isaac, with a young waitress, Eliza, and how they're murdered when he's away with the gang. It's why Arthur seems mad at John in the early parts of RDR2, because John has a family he's choosing to not be with and Arthur had his taken from him. But it is one piece of advice John seems to take from Arthur, protect your family no matter what. Arthur couldn't save Eliza and Isaac, but he does save John. John wasn't always there for Abigail and Jack, but he does sacrifice himself to save them. Also, about John and Arthur, they were the closest thing in the gang to actual brothers. But with Arthur being 12 years older than John he's also a bit of a parental figure. Considering that Arthur lost Isaac and had no other children, Arthur teaching, protecting, and saving John is extra heartwarming and sad. And, in a way, it makes John and Jack the last relatives of Arthur. The tragedy of RDR2 isn't just that Arthur died saving John, but also that Arthur is constantly telling John to "Get gone and don't look back" and John doesn't listen. When Abigail is begging John to not go after Micah and John says he has to do it for Arthur, he is literally doing the opposite of what Arthur wanted. One of the last things Arthur says to John is, "Get the hell out of here and be a goddamn man" and one of the last things Arthur says period is, "John made it. He's the only one." This man, with his dying breath, fought to get John, Abigail, and Jack to safety. But it wasn't enough. The silver lining though is that Jack is the embodiment of John and Arthur. Obviously he's John's son, but his love of learning, books, and writing is totally Arthur. Even Jack's default outfit looks similar to the clothes Arthur would wear, especially the tan jacket. Also, there's an easter egg in GTA where you can find a book written by Jack Marston, and people online have pretty much accepted that as canon. Jack does eventually publish some of his writing, and hopefully lived a normal life.

[@Crazyguy_123MC]

If I recall correctly Abigale died of a broken heart from losing John.

[@pastychong]

It was never outright confirmed, some people say she died of consumption which would be interesting considering Arthur’s fate.

[@CaptainGlack]

John said to Abigail and Jack "don't look back" before they ultimately parted, which is exactly what Arthur said to John. In hindsight you could say John finally understood what Arthur meant by that. John went to kill Micah which lead the Pinkertons to John, ignoring Arthur's advice and kicking off RDR1. Jack does the same as John though, he fails in not looking back as he gets revenge on Ross for killing his father. This is the eternal cycle or Red Dead and I love it so much.

[@laurentuck7835]

57:50 I knew that Arthur was going to either die or disappear (but I heavily assumed he’d die) I didn’t think he’d die like he did in rdr2 though. If you ever plan on playing rdr2 from the start again look out for the foreshadowing that you’d only know if you played rdr. When you’re saving John from the mountains in chapter 1, Javier says “you ain’t gonna die. Not yet”

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Thanks Lauren! We want to go back and play RDR2 again lol

[@onemoreturn]

@@EricSarahLevelUp If you do, and share it on your channel, I'm in, and I'm sure most of the people here will be as well. You guys rock, and more RDR content is always a good thing.

[@potato-whiz]

Also, before Arthur and Javier set out for John, Javier says, “I know if the roles were reversed, he’d look for me.” Nice little call back lol.

[@yasqueen2285]

Thank you for this playthrough. I didn't comment much throughout but I've watched all the eps since u guys started rdr2, it's been a journey. Thank you for playing and sharing with us!!

[@howler19]

Great stuff guys. I agree with you that it’s fascinating how playing either game first works in different ways. As someone who played RDR1 first when it came out, one of my biggest takeaways from RDR2 was that going after Micah is what sealed John’s fate. If he hadn’t done that he may very well have made it out alive in the end.

[@AdamNoisette]

This was the first game that ever made me cry. So when I went into Rdr 2, I knew I was in for a roller coaster.

[@greg9291]

57:55 I played RDR first. After Arthur gets tuberculosis, gradually growing weaker as the story advances, everything sort of spirals off its axis, and a rift forms within the gang. I knew Arthur's days were numbered and that John was going to get a raw deal from Dutch, Bill, Javier, and Micah. One of the great things about playing RDR2, after RDR, is that John was back and we got to see the Vanderlind Gang and how wonderfully chaotic it was before the wheels came off. I liked playing RDR2 after RDR for the obvious reason that 2 is a masterpiece. I tried replaying The Last Enemy That Shall Be Destroyed a few times, not realizing that it's a scripted ending, and probably in denial. I found a video where someone employs enough cheats with infinite ammo, infinite deadeye, and exploding bullets, to kill everyone standing there, and John still dies exactly the same way in the cutscene.

[@KhepriProductions2022]

Funny how the last time Abigail and Jack saw Arthur/John alove was when they were riding away on a horse

[@onemoreturn]

"Our time has passed, John." -Dutch Van Der Linde's dying words. The Old West is no more. These games hit hard, right in the feels.

[@thunderwolf207summit5]

To those who played RDR1 first and then part 2 (like myself), the experience felt bittersweet with part 2 ending with john rebuilding his life, but for those who played part 2 before 1, it’s just a downward spiral, feels much more depressing seeing it all crumbled down. I guess Rockstar wanted to give us some hope with the epilogue, giving us the chance to play as John once more. It took me time to even process that and accept it (even though I liked John in part 1), cause I didn’t want to lose Arthur and they played it the same way on the second game. Dutch said it “they’ll find another monster to justify their wages”. *My experience after the story of RDR1 finished* I remember being upset and in denial when I played the first game losing john, only to have Jack replace him. I was so used to hearing john talk with that badass voice and interact with everyone and being who he was. After John died, having to play as Jack was pretty upsetting, hearing his juvenile voice felt like a teenager playing cowboy, didn’t feel believable lol

[@mattman2964]

I love the contrast between John and Arthur's deaths. Arthur's death is very dramatic with the music and very emotional because it's been built up to since the beginning of chapter 6. John's death however is shocking. It come outta nowhere and it's silent. No music or talking. Just the sounds of the gunshots. Also its pretty brutal, like comparatively speaking, Arthur got off pretty easy compared to John. His family was kidnapped and he was blackmailed and forced to the dirty work and then he was executed. I love Arthur's character and his death but I think I like John's a little more.

[@SidPhoenix2211]

Remember the conversation John & Jack were having moments prior? "The day John Marston stopped shooting." You kiiinda messed up the deadeye bit at the end, sure. Cuz yeah, you can take a couple agents out on your way out. BUT honestly, I think that not taking any shots during this final deadeye works better narratively. So imo, you did a good job with that mission :)

[@q__________]

" enjoy your fishing while you can boy" is what Ross told young Jack by the river with Arthur. Which is what he was doing when Jack confronts him.

[@chronicallyuninspired2014]

No he was duck hunting, the brother says it.

[@q__________]

@@chronicallyuninspired2014 you actually right. I just rewatched it. They should’ve made Ross fishing tho 😅

[@sebaynovuelve]

It's sad to think that John tried so hard to leave his life of crime and outlaws, everything we see him do during this game is so that Jack and Abigail get to live a normal farmers life and yet inevitably Jack ends up being an outlaw just like his father.John's sins somehow were inherited to Jack and the cycle will probably continue having government officials looking for him after murdering Edgar Ross.

[@laperrio5562]

The ending really is sad, for John and for Jack. Of course Ross wasn't going to let John live he needed to get rid of everyone left of the Vanderlinde gang that still roamed, including John and Uncle. Sad for Jack because, he lost his family and had to grow up with what little he was taught and to grow up fast and alone. Also he became what Arthur and John tried their best to make sure he didn't become what they were an Outlaw, but to be something better like a writer. But in the end there's justice when Jack kills Ross, because he basically got revenged for everyone in the gang, like Arthur, John, Uncle, Hosea, everyone who died by the hands or some involvement with the pinkertons.

[@CharlotteWV01]

You guys have been the best. Thank you for sharing with us ❤

[@lumbagoboi1649]

Rdr1s ending is honestly sadder than 2 in terms of its consequences. Jack is left angry and resentful of the societ and law, even going as far to kill ross out of revenge. Its clear he never got over john's death. If you fight the police as jack he yells stuff like "you killed my Pa!" And "the law killed my family!" Athur and john both died trying to give him a better life and instead it just comes full circle with jack choosing the life of an outlaw.

[@cameronsmuck8208]

If you played rdr1 first, you'll notice in some of the dialogue in rdr2 they make reference to future events in rdr1. I'm pretty certain the strange man is Death/ the grim reaper. on your last encounter with him he says this is a nice spot, exactly where john got buried. that saying when death touches you you die, the strange man pats john on the shoulder on your first encounter setting things in motion.

[@lynette50]

Such a heartbreaking story when you've seen/played both games. 💔

[@stankinsteinfrankfurter9005]

I love it when after Jack takes out ross Jack turns round and starts walkin away and then it cuts out with the title screen, always gave me goosebumps very very cool!!! Great freaking game one of the best!!!

[@RamnaViaz]

According to an easter egg found in GTA V Jack becomes a successful writer of you guessed it, westerns. In GTA you can find a book called "Red Dead" written by J. Marston.

[@Wertyber]

Jack didn't deserve all of this so I hope this is true man

[@unownperson]

If you go back to RDR2, and slowly walk out the barn door at the ranch John will open it in the same way he does at the end, part of the reason Rockstar emphasized building the barn was the ending of RDR1. Also the spot that they have their graves is noted by The Stranger (guy with top hat) as being "a good spot" when you see him last as John.

[@elnao3349]

I absolutely loved this playthrough, it was my favourite RDR1 playthrough ive seen on KZbin. I’m sad it’s over but I’m glad you enjoyed the game. I played RDR1 first originally, Arthur’s death actually got me the worse out of any death in the series, maybe because I knew everyone after that would have a tragic ending.

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

That's awesome to hear thank you!! We're sad that's it's over too, these two games have been very special to us :)

[@radezzientertainment501]

what a beautiful parallel they made in the end of rdr2 .... killed me twice

[@SidPhoenix2211]

59:19 "I think we need a drink, too" *Eric pulls out the gallon water bottle*

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Ayeee! Only the Twitch crew knows about that, but it might have to make an appearance on the channel (to Sarah's dismay).

[@meesh11p]

Never played the games so it was nice experiencing such a wonderful journey with you two! Great vibes as always and excited for what's next!

[@rubvillaz]

Arthur: “Your growing up fast!” 🤠 Jack: “That’s what momma says” 🙂 Arthur: “Just don’t turn into me okay?”🥺

[@Drago_012]

Bro is making me cry rivers 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@royceadams8188]

Sarah: Uncle is immortal! Eric: Yeah, he is! Me: Oh boy…

[@Ar2_Dee2]

Now y'all can search about the Strange Man if you want to,alot of the mystery about him involves John's death

[@toffylikesgames]

Congrats on another series wrapped, folks! What a journey. The last missions were all such a gut punch!! I feel for Jack, he grew up through some truly rough events and in the end he's alone. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, I really enjoy watching your playthroughs! :)

[@puebloking8280]

Its been a journey from epsiode 1 of RDR 2. Loved the way you guys approach these games and seem to make all the right decisions in my mind. That red dead was a bar at the end and a hell of a way to end it 😂 bittersweet

[@PatrickMusilek]

Been waiting for this! Thank you so much!

[@mwilsonUT]

So in the end, the survivors of the Van Der Linde gang are Trelawny, Charles, Sadie, Swanson, Pearson, Tilly, Mary-Beth, and Jack Marston.

[@ItsLnz]

As a big RDR2 fan, I really enjoyed both your RDR2 and RDR1 playthrough. It has been a journey for sure! And no matter how many times I’ve watched playthroughs of both games, I still cry at every emotional scene! As for RDR3, I think it would be cool to play as a younger Dutch, or maybe Hosea, but a whole different story and new character would be awesome as well. I’m gonna rewatch your RDR2 playthrough, since it was so enjoyable to watch. Okay I’ll catch you later then!

[@SundaySam.]

Love this game! I got it when it came out in 2010 and fell in love with it! You should play Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare too soon cause that’s also awesome! Love Y’all

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Thanks Sam :)

[@TheCynicalOptimist]

Dutch was right when he said, "When I'm gone, they'll just find another monster. They have to, because they have to justify their wages." The victim of that "another monster" hunt was none other than John Marston.

[@guillermodominguezdelafuen2730]

"This is a fine spot"

[@HygorBH]

The way Jack looked at his gun at the end... he realized that he became the very thing both Arthur and John worked so hard to prevent. A gunslinger.

[@Raiden324]

Lumbago didn't take out Uncle. Uncle died like a true hero.

[@FluffyJackie]

By the way: Don't worry about Jack, he doesn't get caught by the law, survives both world wars and goes on to be an author at some point and lives up to a very old age.

[@L4ftyOne]

Also, what many dont see is, that they got John on the same DAY as he had his first harvest (-delivered) from finally being a rancher. Man... so so sad. RIP John, you the OG

[@Bigglesman96]

I really hope we get a rdr3. I'm not sure what it will be but I trust rockstar

[@lindamar112]

Got to go deeper into the past. Play as a young Hosea.

[@MattiusFincham]

RDR 2 topics ahead... What a tragic story. I think it's keen to point out how it's a vicious cycle of revenge. John going after Micah undid Arthur's sacrifice (which is a tragedy), because the Pinkertons / government eventually found John because of it. They would never have been able to have found him otherwise (presumably; or at least would have had no reason to have searched for him or believe he's still alive or around in the area). It's ironic because in RDR 2, Dutch was evidently always the one preaching against revenge, until he started to change or he just stopped caring to put up a front (either / or). Jack completes the cycle of revenge by going after Ross. It's everything his parents and Arthur would have wished against, but it makes Jack the last actual outlaw (or one of them), in 1914.

[@fakeninja4447]

Sure, but I don't think the cycle of revenge is the theme that RDR 1 is going for. The government agents still found Dutch, Bill, Javier (and even Strauss) and they would've found John even if he didn't go after Micah. I think what RDR 1 is going for is more that you will always be held accountable for your actions, and there is no running from it. John was never going to have a happy ending, he had to face the consequences of his actions one day. I also don't think Jack became an outlaw, I personally see it as him wearing the old outlaw outfit only to go after Ross, especially after he looks at his gun one final time in the end before holstering it, kinda symbolizing that that's not the life he's going to live. I think Jack became a writer, there's an easter egg about that in GTA 5 (a book written by Jack Marston) but that's just me.

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

He did by the ranch under John Marston. He would have been found anyway. I look at it as Arthur’s sacrifice was far from in vein because without it John&Fam don’t get those extra approx 13 years and John doesn’t become the man he is in RDR1.

[@Popcorn-ch7uy]

It's not revenge. It's retribution.

[@morpho5539]

Not sure if y’all know this but the first time and the last time Jack and Ross meet is at a river.

[@qeinz]

playing rdr2 first then rdr1 really hits u because we started with a whole family gang that always spend time together, singing around the camp and stuff. ended with Jack. just Jack alone 🥲

[@210rebelboy]

I think without the context of the second game, and having little information for what we'd done in the gang, most of it coming from John defending it, you didn't think that the ramifications for all that were looming so heavily. It all felt like the past, and this was John's present, and we were fighting for his family's future. I, at least, was not expecting the government to show up again, admittedly I played it pretty young, and I didn't expect John to die. It was incredibly impactful, I hated Ross, I thought John had payed his dues hunting his gang, and he was free. I was obviously wrong. Come the second game, even though I fully expected Arthur to die, I didn't expect it to be stretched over the course of the story, nor for us to hold Arthur's hand as he confronted his death. It was clever to do it this way, to contrast with the abrupt shock of the first one. John had about 20 minutes to come to term with his death, and we had about 20 seconds. I think the impact of John's death is somewhat lessened by the knowledge of the second game. Not only do you expect it because of Arthur, but having witnessed what the gang was like, you're kinda expecting John's actions to catch up to him.

[@alexveneziale2149]

Are you guys ever gonna play grand theft auto ?

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

We're not entirely sure yet! We still some other games in mind, but thanks for the recommendation :)

[@shieldwallofdragons]

Uncle gets a lot of hate for being a lazy freeloader but he went out like a man defending his friends.

[@MohamadNadi]

While this was always heartbreaking, the symbolism is so beautiful. If yall remember, John wasn't really involved in Jack's life until Red Dead 2. John became the father that arthur knew he could be by spending his last moments protecting his family. He truly got his redemption. The same way arthur got his

[@vicvega24]

Red Dead Redemption reminds me of movies like City Of God (2002) and American History X (1998), as it shows that the history of violence repeats itself and is passed on to different generations negatively and violence leads to more misery and hatred.

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

The best gun slinger died without a single shot being fired back 😂 Gg

[@tomswift3482]

Playing the games in release order, this one first, the death of John had a great impact, and then subsequent play of the prequel made every part of RDR expand with context, and definition. It made the experience of the first game so much more meaningful, and then the end of RDR2, with the continued life of John and his family, pulled at the player, because they knew what was coming. The first was like a classic western movie, and then the second told the real tale, the real history, behind all that was laid out in Red Dead Redemption. But it works okay played in chrono order, but I am forever glad I played them the way I did. Each little easter egg which popped up, was an Aha moment - hearkening back to the earlier game. Just 2 different ways to reveal the same story.

[@chrisalvarez6899]

Fun fact Jacks outfit design is of both Arthur and John combined. That’s the same jacket that arthur had and Johns hat and weapon equipment.

[@absoluteschmuck]

That isn't confirmed, they only look similar

[@sangun123]

nothing of that nature is confirmed, they didn't even know they'd make a character called arthur at the time, it's why despite being like THE most pivotal person in john's life he doesnt get mentioned once during the game

[@toddhorton2882]

I hope red dead redemption 3 is legit Sadie's life after Red Dead 2, playing as her would be absolutely kickass plus she could end up meeting other people that never appeared more

[@GinjerFour]

Please god no. She was one of the most reckless and annoying characters in the prequel. A third game needs to be another prequel with Dutch, Hosea, Arthur, and John growing up or a completely different story.

[@_ripVanWinkle_]

That should be DLC

[@John-996]

This was the first game I ever played were the main chracter dies really hut Hard. RDR2 was the first game I played were the main charcter dies from a terminnal illness. John Said it Him self ""People dont Forget nothing is forgiven". They found Another monster in the end. Whats interesting is Arthurs death was caused by Blind Loyalty while Johns was due to his inability to not look back in his old life. Jack killing Ross near a river sort of sums of both Red dead games they are like a continuous flow of revenage and redemption. I honestly hated seeing Ross again in RDR2 when he pointed the Shotgun at Arthur had jack not been there Arthur would have killed him right there and then.

[@kennycooper294]

that revenge was sweet when i tracked that dude down

[@GinjerFour]

"Vengeance is an idiot's game" - Arthur Morgan Marston went against everything Arthur fought and died for and damned his child in the process.

[@Duskwalker68]

This was a great series! I hope you two will play the Undead Nightmare DLC, it's very different but really cool.

[@calinstrimbu6441]

Now that you finished both games, I gotta ask you who do you prefer between John and Arthur? Personally, I prefer John as I think he is a more complete character who you can see grow from the start of RDR2 to the end of RDR, although Arthur is amazing aswell.

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

We actually don't have an answer lol It's a really difficult discussion to address because each character is great, yet tragic in their own way. It feels weird comparing the two; it's like asking a parent "which child is your favorite?" 😂

[@fakeninja4447]

Arthur made me more emotional because of the amazing character change and redemption arc he went through, that one is IMO way superior to John's redemption story. However I do prefer John overall as a character because he's so cool, funny and doesn't take sh*t from anybody. I think I could relate more to Arthur because he admitted he was scared and didn't know what to do at times. John is the exact opposite, he controls every situation he's in, isn't ever scared of anything and always sure of himself and what to do. I can sympathize more with Arthur, but John is the kind of man I wish I was, and he makes every cutscene he's in such a blast.

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

Many commenting how tragic Jack is. I prefer the happy ending for him, that he’s a writer and the author of the story we play through. There’s a book on a shelf in GTAV of RDR by “J.Marston”. The idea RDR that we play through is supported by MANY references throughout both games referring to legends and how the reality of people and the stories within is not as it seems. The papers, the writers glorifying the gunslingers, the books in RDR2, Arthur’s comment to Mary’s brother, Jack’s comments, the meta crazy preacher in the river (RDR2). It’s basically the 2nd most prevailing theme to revenge/redemption. Also, the fact that different locations have fictional names than those in the GTA universe makes this add up. In GTA there is no “California”, but there is in RDR. Also, John inherited Arthur’s journal, Jack would presumably inherit it from John. So he would have that as reference for his writing. Jack tells John about the book he’s enjoying which is about a character going after revenge for his father’s killing. So, my take is the games we play are Jack’s fiction including Jack’s revenge on Ross. An alt take is that Jack did take revenge but then walked away into obscurity and wrote the book in his later years. Just my take. Lots of room to have fun with the lore.

[@ShakeyScoops]

So cool seeing you guys finish this! Been watching since you started rdr2. Would you guys do a red Dead Revolver play through? Also side idea, if you guys are looking for something not sad, it’d be really funny if you guys did a minecraft series 😅

[@EricSarahLevelUp]

Thanks for joining in! We're not sure about Red Dead Revolver yet, we still have so many other games to play lol but thanks for the recommendation!

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

The most dangerous man is that not have nothing to lose like jack.

[@airshom]

I’m glad to see a different perspective to the ones who played rdr2 1st to this masterpiece. I can’t wait for you two to play Red Dead Undead!!

[@cyavikings99]

You should totally play Grand Theft Auto 5! I saw other people recommend it, for good reason. Especially after seeing such sadness AGAIN in this series you need a game with a good story and some happy and fun times which is all over GTA. You would enjoy it.

[@cyavikings99]

You don’t need to play other gta games to understand the story either luckily; The only benefit of doing so would be small references and minor character cameos.

[@SidPhoenix2211]

A sad state of affairs. After ALL the pain, effort, and fighting Arthur, John, and Abigail did... Jack falls into the same, sad life they didn't want him to have. All because Jack (and back in 1907, John) could not let it go.

[@k3wldude]

Suggestion play Grand Theft Auto: IV

[@Corvo-zs7dx]

Im not sure if anyone else pointed this out, but a really sad/funny detail is that in RDR2, sometimes you'll actually find Uncle sleeping that exact spot where he dies. Even in his final moments, my man still finds the time to find a comfortable spot to rest at LMAO

[@Fonny222]

There’s an Easter egg for this game in GTA V. I can’t remember where exactly but on a book shelf there’s a book called “Red Dead” by J. Marston.

[@HygorBH]

Arthur to John: You run and don't look back! John to his family: Just keep running and don't look back!

[@ImSlipped]

Definitely a bitter-sweet but fitting ending to this entire RDR story. I love how well Rockstar tied both games together to tell such vast, amazing story with so many amazing characters. If you guys are wanting a more uplifting game, DEFINITELY check out GTA V then. More great characters, doesnt take itself too serious, lighthearted and packed with great humor. A parody of western civilization. Written by the same writers of RDR 1 and 2 so you know it's solid in that regard. Highly recommend!

[@Awsmjames]

One of them machines could turn men into angels.