John Marston’s Shocking Mistakes That Changed Everything in RDR2!

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As a member of the Van der Linde gang, I’m still one of the youngest lads, but they call me the golden boy because I learned under Dutch Van der Linde, their leader. But I ain’t no genius, mind you. In Red Dead Redemption 2, my youthful spirit led to a series of mistakes from 1899 to 1911 that eventually shaped my fate in a tragic way.

Although John Marston may not be outright wicked, he has committed some questionable actions throughout “Red Dead Redemption 2.” From strangers to himself, as well as his wife and son, John’s past deeds are worth examining to understand why events unfolded the way they did in his life. A thorough analysis of John Marston’s missteps can shed light on his motivations and the factors that shaped his destiny.

Spoilers ahead for Red Dead Redemption & Red Dead Redemption 2!

8. Putting Too Much Faith in Dutch

John Should Have Left When Others Did

As they approach Beaver Hollow, the situation appears grim. John has been imprisoned, awaiting execution, and the rest of the gang is clearly distressed. By the time John manages to escape, it becomes evident that his family – his wife and son – are infinitely more valuable than this reckless outlaw lifestyle he’s been living. It would be wise for him to whisk them away from here as soon as possible.

John values loyalty greatly, but even Arthur understands that sometimes doing what’s right is more important. It was a mistake for John to assist Dutch with another heist since it led to his betrayal after being shot off the train. Just like Swanson, Pearson, and many others, John should have taken his chance to leave when he had it.

7. Purchasing Beecher’s Hope

A Ranch With Infertile Land Close to a Town John is Wanted At

The initial piece of land that John Marston encounters, which he thinks is within his means from Blackwater Bank, is what he considers suitable for him, Abigail, and their son Jack to settle down. Although John buys the property with the intention of impressing Abigail, it ultimately turns out to be one of his most regrettable decisions, despite being motivated by love and a desire to fulfill her dreams.

As a passionate admirer, I must confess that venturing into ranching at Beecher’s Hope wasn’t exactly an astute decision. The location, nestled dangerously close to the notorious town of Blackwater – the same place John had to flee in the early days of Red Dead Redemption 2 – doesn’t exactly scream peace and tranquility. But that’s not all; the soil here is far from fertile, making it a nightmare for planting crops or raising livestock. To add to the woes, it borders the wild plains where the Skinner Brothers, a notorious gang, frequently roam free.

6. Returning West With His Family

John Returns to the Same Land Where His Gang Fell

Despite America’s vast size, John surprisingly decided to reverse course and return to the location he fled from back in 1899, following the fall of the Van der Linde gang. Instead of embarking on a fresh start elsewhere, John and his spouse opted to retrace their steps.

Given the vastness of America to discover, it appears illogical that John Marston, whose notoriety as an outlaw would be unknown in such remote locations, would choose to return to New Austin – a place where he had been pursued relentlessly by Pinkertons for years.

5. Mistreated Jack and Abigail When Jack Was Born

John Refusesd to Believe Jack Was His Until It Was Too Late

In 1899, Jack Marston is four years old, and though the Van der Linde gang accepts him, their affection primarily stems from John Marston’s apparent indifference towards him. It’s disheartening to witness how John dismisses Jack as an inconvenience, seemingly unwilling to acknowledge him as his son despite Abigail’s past relationships within the gang.

As a young parent and spouse, John’s struggles often give off an immature vibe, and he doesn’t seem to mature fully until he unintentionally hurts Jack and Abigail’s feelings. However, John eventually grows into a responsible husband and father, but remnants of his past as a outlaw continue to impede his ability to forge strong connections.

4. Ignoring Arthur’s Final Plea

Arthur Wanted John to Get Out of This Life and Be a Man

Arthur Morgan’s final words to John Marston will remain indelibly imprinted in his memory. In their desperate bid to flee Beaver Hollow, they find themselves betrayed by their gang and pursued relentlessly by the Pinkertons. Aware that this was his final battle, Arthur sacrifices himself so that John can escape, etching this selfless act into both their histories forever.

Arthur understands that his future lies only in his memories, but if he can aid John in reuniting with his wife and son, then he would have done what is just, allowing John to be with his family again and live as a man. However, despite witnessing Arthur’s sacrifice, John finds it impossible to break free from his current life.

3. Not Killing Agent Ross

Edgar Ross is the Reason John Marston Suffers

Edgar Ross, a prominent Pinkerton agent, is tasked with locating John Marston and compelling him on a quest to eliminate the final members of the Van der Linde gang. Ross holds John’s family – his wife, son, and uncle – captive, using them as leverage. Unless John complies with their demands, they could face imprisonment or even worse consequences.

Despite the numerous warnings and observing their relentless nature firsthand, even from his former mentor, John underestimates the danger he’s in as a loose end that needs to be addressed by the Pinkertons. Upon reuniting with his family at Beecher’s Hope, John had two options: either eliminate Edgar Ross or escape the area altogether.

2. Seeking Revenge on Micah Bell

John Fails to Understand That Revenge is a Fool’s Game

It’s unmistakable that Micah Bell must not be permitted to survive. Besides being the individual who orchestrated the downfall of the Van der Linde gang, he has also made menacing comments towards John, Abigail, and Jack – a fact that John Marston finds impossible to ignore, given that this is the same man who ended up killing his brother-in-arms, Arthur Morgan.

When Sadie discovers Micah’s whereabouts, John becomes the first to volunteer to join her in the search. However, this decision implies that he is once again betraying his wife by engaging in murder, albeit just one more time. This time, things have changed because tracking down and killing Micah only serves to attract the attention of the Pinkertons, who subsequently track John and his family down at Beecher’s Hope.

1. Traumatizing Jack to a Life of Killers

Jack Marston Becomes His Father Instead of the Modern Man

By 1911, the era of lawless outlaws had essentially ended, although faint traces still linger. Society and civilization are steadily erasing these remnants, making room for something more intelligent and refined. This is why Jack Marston, a character in this context, is deeply interested in literature, and his skills with weapons or farm work are limited due to his sheltered upbringing.

Yet, John’s treatment towards his son can be harsh due to his lack of knowledge about fatherhood, as he hasn’t had a model to follow himself. Despite his affection for Jack, his actions often cause more harm than good. This is particularly evident when John resorts to killing multiple individuals, a fact that Jack witnesses. Although these acts were intended to protect Jack, they have a profoundly negative impact on him, contributing to his eventual transformation into an outlaw and causing significant distress in his life.

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2025-03-10 04:47