‼️This post is literally just gonna be me explaining why in my opinion, Adler x Bell doesn't work. No this doesn't mean that I hate/dislike people who ship the pair, and also no this isn't a post to criticise people who ship Adler x Bell. This is just my view on Adler x Bell, since people think it's okay to force this ship down people's throats, and force it to be 'canon'.‼️
For context/historical acknowledgement
The CIA was established in 1947 under the National Security Act to conduct covert operations, gather intelligence, and counter Soviet influence. It was deeply anti-communist, hyper-masculine, and conservative, reflecting the broader U.S political culture. The CIA literally used covert manipulation, propaganda, assassinations, and psychological warfare to maintain American superiority. Loyalty to the agency came before personal relationships--agents were often forced to compromise their own morals, emotions, and personal lives.
Why Adler x Bell doesn't work, canonically and logically.
1.) Bell is literally an Enemy of the State.
Canonically, Bell was a high-ranking agent of Perseus, which means that they were a literal active threat to the U.S. and its allies. Considering that they were brainwashed by the CIA, that does NOT erase their past as a soviet asset.
- For the Duga ending, where Bell chooses to betray Adler. Bell KILLS Adler. For the 'Good' ending where bell doesn't betray the CIA, Adler chooses to kill Bell; the CIA would either way have eliminated or imprisoned them because Bell is an unreliable asset with foreign loyalties.
- There's literally no canon scenario in which Bell walks away free and happy- as in, left alone and ends up in a relationship with Adler.
The Power Imbalance(Trauma of brainwashing)
2.) Russell Adler, tortured and brainwashed Bell. Lets be for real we all saw the moment Adler pulled out the needle, and stabbed Bell in the eye, in the safe house; and even if people say that didn't happen, there was an entire mission of Bell getting brainwashed by Adler(the flashbacks, and relying on his voice to proceed the mission).
- The game itself makes it clear that Bell's memories are fabricated, and Adler is the one who personally breaks their mind apart, and rebuilds them as a puppet.
- Any "relationship" would be built on lies, manipulation, and abuse. Bell isn't even themselves fully- since they're whatever the CIA wanted them to be.
- Incidentally, Russell Adler used psychological warfare on Bell.
Adler x Bell Doesn’t Work Because:
❌ Bell was an asset, not a real person in Adler’s life.
❌ There was no emotional depth between them—only control.
❌ Bell, if they were truly with Perseus, was an enemy of the state.
❌ The CIA didn’t form romantic bonds with assets—they used them and discarded them.
For further information(now I'm just being nit picky..😔)
Adler using "Kid" to refer to Bell/calling Bell "Kid"
Honestly Adler call's Bell kid so many times throughout the game- and this isn't some casual term of endearment. Its literally a power dynamic- Adler sees Bell as a rookie, a novice- someone who's figuring shit out. Its a literal professional term of address reserved for someone younger, or less experienced, usually in a mentor-mentee relationship.
Now let’s pause and think about this, chat. Would someone in a mentor-mentee relationship—especially someone as hardened and professional as Adler—start getting romantically involved with the person they’re literally calling "kid"? That's not just weird; it’s problematic, and actually, it's creepy as hell. Adler is treating Bell as a subordinate. Even the thought of him switching from “kid” to “lover” is insane, and not one for Adler, with his experience, would make. He's not a predator—he’s an operator guys😭
Again. This is not a post coming after people who ship Russell Adler x Bell. I'm genuinely happy that people have found a unique pairing, if you personally ship Russell Adler x Bell, go for it(this post is NOT condoning this ship), have fun- this fandom should be about expressing yourself. NOT, forcing ships into people's faces.
I've addressed my viewpoint on this ship because I've been spammed non-stop about Russell Adler x Bell, like I've been genuinely harassed, where anons and actual users have sent me messages about why I'm in the 'wrong' for not shipping this pair. I'll be serious, I never liked Russell Adler x Bell, but with these interactions? I started hating the ship(NOT THE PEOPLE).
Thank you for reading my yap session<3
