Why Can't Church Shoot Straight in Red vs. Blue?

In the popular internet series Red vs. Blue, the character Church, an artificial intelligence fragment, is often known for his poor sniping accuracy. The question that arises is: if Church is an AI, why can't he shoot straight? This article delves into the possible explanations for this phenomenon and explores how this character fits into the overall storyline.

Canon Explanation: Director's Lack of Combat Skills

The canon answer for Church's inaccurate sniping hinges on the fact that the Director, based whom Church was created, was never a soldier and lacked basic combat training. In the universe of Red vs. Blue, this backstory has been mentioned in various comment sections and forum discussions, providing a satisfying explanation within the established plot.

Technical and Functional Explanation: Skill Distribution Among AI Fragments

Another potential explanation lies in the functional characteristics of the separate AI fragments. In the lore, Church was an AI fragment, possibly the remnant core of a larger AI system. Other fragments, like Tex/Beta, were given specific combat skills. This means that Church, in terms of his coding and programming, was not designed with the same combative capabilities as Tex/Beta. Consequently, his inability to shoot straight is a result of a programming limitation or a lack of assigned combat skills, reflecting a deliberate design choice by the creators.

Storytelling and Comic Relief: Intentional Flaw for Humor

Beyond the functional and technical aspects, the non-accuracy of Church's sniping serves a purpose within the storytelling. Many series, including Red vs. Blue, use intentional flaws and idiosyncrasies to provide comic relief and add depth to character behaviors. Having Church as a bad marksman adds a layer of humor and relatability. It allows for lighthearted moments and makes the character more endearing and down-to-earth. The intentional flaw also contributes to the overall cinematic style of the series, which often relies on humor and quirky character traits.

Conclusion

The poor sniping accuracy of Church in Red vs. Blue can be explained through multiple lenses: a backstory rooted in the Director's lack of military experience, a functional deficit due to the distribution of skills among AI fragments, and an intentional design choice to provide comic relief. These elements not only enrich the narrative but also create a more engaging and relatable character, making Church a beloved fixture in the universe of the series.