Summary
- The Resident Evil franchise boasts a deep narrative with a strong cast of central and secondary characters over 30 unique titles.
- Sherry Birkin's story spans nearly the entirety of the classic series, evolving from orphan to Senior Agent with a significant role.
- The return of Sherry in Resident Evil 9 would offer a full-circle moment, bridging the gap between classic and modern series narratives.
Resident Evil is among gaming’s most successful and long-running horror franchises. Since the launch of the original title in 1996, the Resident Evil series has woven a complicated and interlocking narrative, with its strong cast of central protagonists reappearing in various titles. However, the franchise also boasts a deep cast of secondary characters, some of whom have evolved into full-fledged heroes over decades of narrative. With the Resident Evil franchise due to release its next mainline title, Resident Evil 9, in the coming years, bringing back one character would be a nice full-circle moment.
The Resident Evil franchise boasts over 30 unique titles, including a host of modern remakes for its most legendary offerings. While the mainline series has moved in a new direction, these remakes have given modern gamers, and those too young to have played the originals, an opportunity to experience the series’ earliest events and characters. The culmination of both mainline and remake entries sets the stage for various characters to reappear in future entries. One such character, Sherry Birkin, makes a strong case for a return, as the character's involvement in the classic series is among its most significant evolutionary arcs.
Sherry Birkin's Story Spans Nearly the Entirety of Resident Evil's Classic Series
The original Resident Evil trilogy followed members of the S.T.A.R.S. Task force, and their attempts to survive the Umbrella Corporation’s use of the T-Virus in Raccoon City and the surrounding area. While all three introduced a host of secondary characters, Resident Evil 2 introduced one of its most important in Sherry Birkin. Sherry’s parents, William and Annette Birkin, were Umbrella Virologists at the Arklay Laboratory, whose research into the G-virus led to her neglect. In Resident Evil 2, and its remake, Sherry meets up and allies with Claire Redfield, as the two attempt to escape the RCPD Precinct.
Sherry is eventually separated from Claire and implanted with the G-embryo but is saved in the game's final moments using the G-Virus antidote. Sherry, orphaned, is left in the custody of the US government, with her guaranteed safety forcing Leon Kennedy to become a Government Agent. However, this is not the last we see of her, as the events of Resident Evil 2 change the course of Sherry’s life and future.
Despite escaping Racoon City in Resident Evil 2, Sherry returned to the fray 14 years later, narratively, as a playable character in Resident Evil 6. Having gained unique abilities from her exposure to the G-virus, Sherry is introduced as a Government Agent tasked with locating Albert Wesker's son, Jake Muller, so his blood can be used to create a vaccine. The two join forces, but are pursued by a BOW called Ustanak, before being kidnapped by Dr. Carla Radames.
Following captivity in a Chinese facility, the pair escape and join up with Leon Kennedy, eventually surviving the C-virus outbreak and getting a sample of Jake's blood to the US Government. Sherry concludes the classic series devoted to ridding the world of bioweapons and stating she hopes to cross paths with Leon, Claire, and her friends again, no matter how long it takes.
Sherry Birkin Appearance in The Modern RE Series Makes Sense
The modern Resident Evil series picks up just a few years after Resident Evil 6, with its first two entries following a new character, Ethan Winters. Despite its new narrative, infections, and characters, the modern series has found a way to work in the larger lore, and some returning characters, such as Chris Redfield. Sherry's role as an agent of the US Government offers plenty of reasons for her to appear. In fact, the ending of Resident Evil 8's Shadow of Rose DLC opens the door for her debut to bring her story full circle.
Resident Evil 8 and the Shadow of Rose DLC see Ethan's superhuman daughter under the protection of some kind of agency. It's unclear if she is voluntarily allied with them or in custody, but her plight parallels the events that led Sherry to become a US Agent herself. In Resident Evil 9, or beyond, it makes sense that Sherry, as a Senior Agent, could cross paths with Rose and offer her guidance. Perhaps, the two could even team up to take on the next major outbreak or infestation. Until more information is shared about the future of Resident Evil, fans will need to stay tuned for the official reveal of Resident Evil 9 to see where the series is headed.
Resident Evil is a long-running survival horror franchise developed by Capcom. Spread across numerous mainline and spin-off entries, the series is known for it’s third and first-person action horror, zombie-related monsters and references, and challenging puzzles.
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