Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-24467536-20140128044806

I'm new to the Wiki. I'm more familiar to the Marvel characters in the movies more than the comics. Ever since I saw TTDW I couldn't get a good feel on Richard. The guy is clearly Jane's rebound from Thor; you can tell by how the date went. I've wondered if there is more to the guy. First Richard addresses Jane's relutance to engage by saying a guy is the reason. Who does that on a date? He also brings his own baggage about his last girlfriend cheating on him while she was traveling. (Great way to make a first impression on a date.)  Then Darcy comes in and brings up the anomaly and Erik's mental problems and Richard asks about it. Again who does that? Jane walks out on the date leaving Richard at the restaurant. For most guys that's a wrap but Richard wants a second date. The question is why after all this?

My theory is Richard may be a spy for the rogue faction of S.H.I.E.L.D. or an A.I.M. agent, assigned to get close to Jane to learn more about her and Erik's research (and possibly about Thor). From what I'm glooming from threads about Captain America 2 and Avengers 2, it's turning to agencies and spy organizations to use all means fair and foul to achieve their goals.

Or - Richard is a regular guy who likes Jane, but is going to learn about Thor the wrong way. Male pride kicks in; he'd feel like a chump, a downgrade, a consolation prize. He'll feel he could never match Thor (in all areas). Richard was cheated on the last time (according to him), but a woman he likes now has chosen the Thunderer over him - that's a kick in the gut. (I'm presuming Jane broke off the second date and any potential with Richard, judging from the kiss in the second post-credit scence in TTDW.) MCU tends to use personal events to trigger a change in attitude in a character. Jane's rejection could send Richard to the dark side.

I was just curious about this because other threads do not address. I would like to know some thoughts. 