Why Is Chris Redfield No Longer With The BSAA? A Deep Dive
The question of Chris Redfield’s current relationship with the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA) is a complex one, steeped in years of in-game lore and character development. The short answer is: Chris Redfield has not officially left the BSAA, despite several periods of intense disillusionment and questionable actions. While he hasn’t outright resigned or been dismissed, his relationship with the organization is significantly strained, marked by distrust and a more independent approach to combating bioterrorism. The narrative arc of Chris Redfield sees him repeatedly questioning the BSAA’s methods and motives, often taking matters into his own hands. To truly understand his current status, we need to examine key moments across the Resident Evil timeline, particularly those that shaped his perspective.
Chris Redfield’s Fractured Trust: A History of Doubt
Chris’s loyalty to the BSAA is repeatedly tested throughout the series, with several events contributing to his growing unease. Initially, he’s depicted as a committed operative, but over time, the organization’s bureaucracy and dubious practices start to clash with his sense of justice.
The Raccoon City Incident and its Lingering Shadow
The trauma of the Raccoon City incident and the subsequent cover-ups left a deep scar on Chris. While the BSAA was formed as a direct response to the collapse of Umbrella, the organization’s very roots in a world of corporate malfeasance caused Chris some internal conflict. He understands the necessity of the BSAA, but he also carries a lingering distrust for the institutions meant to combat the bioweapon threat, knowing how corrupt the world can be.
The Edonia Tragedy
Perhaps the most significant blow to Chris’s faith in the BSAA was the Edonia mission, depicted in Resident Evil 6. Ambushed by Carla Radames, who was posing as Ada Wong, Chris’s team suffered catastrophic losses. The majority of his squad was turned into B.O.W.s (Bio-Organic Weapons), leaving Chris and Piers Nivans as the only survivors. This catastrophic event pushed Chris to the brink. Overwhelmed by guilt and feeling responsible for the loss of his team, Chris becomes a depressive drunk and withdraws from the BSAA. He doesn’t officially resign at this point; instead, he goes AWOL, disappearing for a considerable period in a downward spiral of self-destruction.
Questionable Actions in the Village Incident
In Resident Evil Village, Chris’s actions further muddy the waters. He appears in the early moments to shoot Mia Winters, an act that initially paints him as a villain. However, we eventually learn that this was a calculated move to safeguard Ethan and Rose from Mother Miranda. However, Chris’s methods were questionable, and the scene did leave fans wondering if he had officially gone rogue. Furthermore, during the “Village Massacre” event, the BSAA is described as “a rotten and ruined organization.” Chris, with his renewed purpose, leads his own team, and it’s made clear that his relationship with the organization is at a critical low point.
The BSAA’s Shady Practices and B.O.W. Deployment
One of the most jarring revelations came with the discovery of the BSAA’s use of B.O.W.s as soldiers. This betrayal of trust, which goes against the very core principles the organization was seemingly built on, deepens Chris’s skepticism. The BSAA, initially meant to combat B.O.W.s, was now employing them, indicating a significant moral decline. This revelation further contributes to the idea of Chris operating independently of the BSAA.
Chris Redfield’s Status: Disillusioned, but Not Gone
Although Chris consistently clashes with the BSAA’s ethics and has often acted outside its direct purview, he remains, technically, a member of the organization. Chris has not officially resigned from the BSAA, he has simply chosen to operate outside of its traditional chain of command. The organization’s continued failures and shady practices have caused him to choose action over protocol. His independent operations, fueled by his unwavering commitment to ending the threat of bioterrorism, highlights a deep chasm between him and the organization he once believed in.
Chris Redfield’s current status with the BSAA can be summarized as:
- Disillusioned: Chris has lost faith in the BSAA’s moral compass.
- Independent: He often acts outside of the BSAA’s official directives.
- Not Officially Resigned: Despite his actions and distrust, he hasn’t formally quit the organization.
- Driven by Personal Conviction: His actions are primarily motivated by his commitment to fighting bioterrorism and avenging the fallen.
In short, Chris Redfield is not a BSAA soldier in the traditional sense anymore, he operates on the fringes of the organization, doing what he believes is right, often in opposition to the very group he’s technically affiliated with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Chris leave the BSAA after the Edonia incident?
While the Edonia mission deeply scarred him, and he went AWOL following it, Chris never officially resigned from the BSAA. He was consumed by guilt and drank heavily but ultimately returned to the fight, albeit with a significantly changed outlook.
2. Why does Chris look so different in Resident Evil 7?
Chris Redfield’s appearance changed drastically in Resident Evil 7, attributed to a major character design update and also the shift in game engine. His look was significantly different from the previous games.
3. Is Chris a villain in Resident Evil 8?
While Resident Evil Village’s initial marketing presented him as a possible antagonist, this was largely misdirection. Chris is not evil. His actions, such as shooting Mia Winters, are ultimately shown to be for the greater good.
4. Why did Chris shoot Mia Winters in Resident Evil 8?
Chris shot Mia Winters not to harm her, but to protect her and Rose from the threat of Mother Miranda. The shot was an attempt to subdue Mia, who had been impersonated by Miranda.
5. How old is Chris Redfield in Resident Evil 8?
Chris Redfield was born in 1973, making him 48 years old during the events of Resident Evil Village (RE8).
6. Why is Chris so buff in Resident Evil 5?
Chris’s increased muscle mass in Resident Evil 5 was a deliberate design choice to show that he had undergone intensive training in preparation to fight the powerful Albert Wesker bare-handed.
7. Does Chris Redfield become a monster?
No, Chris Redfield has never turned into a monster in the Resident Evil games. While he encounters horrific situations and creatures, he always remains human.
8. Why does Chris hate Ada Wong?
Chris’s hatred for Ada Wong stems from his experiences in Resident Evil 6, where he was ambushed by Carla Radames, who was impersonating Ada. This created a long-lasting grudge due to the severe casualties his team suffered in that incident.
9. Is the BSAA a corrupt organization?
Yes, by the time of the Village Massacre, the BSAA is described as a “rotten and ruined organization.” It has engaged in morally questionable actions, including the deployment of B.O.W. soldiers, which further validates Chris’ distrust of the organization.
10. Did Chris Redfield ever marry Jill Valentine?
According to some fan theories, Chris and Jill may have married after the events of RE5, with Jill now working as a bioweapons advisor at the BSAA HQ. However, this is not canon, and the lore is up for debate.
11. What happened to Sheva Alomar after Resident Evil 5?
After her role in stopping the bio-terrorist deal, Sheva started a new life in America. She received an education, eventually joining the BSAA as a valued member.
12. Is Leon Kennedy still active in the Resident Evil franchise?
Yes, Leon Kennedy remains an active character in the Resident Evil universe. While he hasn’t appeared in the two most recent games, he’s still part of the story, working for the Division of Security Operations.
13. Why is Resident Evil 6 disliked?
Resident Evil 6 is often criticized for its shift from horror to action. Its complex storyline, divided perspectives, and perceived loss of horror elements, made it a difficult game for fans of the series.
14. What is Chris Redfield’s primary motivation now?
Chris’s primary motivation is to combat bioterrorism and to avenge the fallen. Driven by a desire for justice and a responsibility for the past, his actions go beyond organizational structure.
15. What does the future hold for Chris Redfield?
Chris’s future is uncertain, but it’s clear his actions will continue to be driven by his commitment to fighting bioterrorism, his distrust for the BSAA, and his dedication to protecting the innocent, regardless of organizational politics. His character arc shows a move towards more independent and morally grey areas in his fight against the B.O.W. threats.