#Splinter knows how powerful words and appearances can be in leading (or misleading) others

[hyperfixatinator]

ROTTMNT Theory: Leonardo's Face

(I know this topic had been talked about in other posts before. I had a mighty need to add my 2 cents, along with some pictures.)

We know Leo's gonna grow to be an amazing leader. He's already learning how to work in groups and communicate with his team, and he's even beginning to reel back his prideful behavior.

However, to live by the important life lesson of "we do we", I get the feeling he's not gonna do it the same way as past TMNT iterations. Future Leo in the ROTTMNT movie is proof enough that his humorous quips are here to stay, even after decades of apocalyptic horrors.

Because Leo's right, he IS the face man. He just hasn't realized yet how crucial the face of a team is, or how great of a weapon it can be.

(Show and movie spoilers under the cut.)

Firstly, the face is an important tool for navigating the world around you. It's where three (four counting the ears) of the body's senses are placed. Sure, you can technically live and roam through touch alone, but then you risk missing a lot of information about your surroundings that could impact your life.

Metaphorically speaking, Leo provides this for his team the most often. He uses his highly attuned senses to scan their environment for immediate details. This allows him to adjust their plans to even the slightest changes, or to make quicker deductions based on whatever clues he finds.

Another thing about faces is how prominently they're used for communication. They are one of the most critical tools for social interactions of all kinds, including deception. Mastery of facial gestures is what lets so many actors/actresses thrive when putting on believable performances.

Continuing the metaphor, Leo has proven himself to be a master of persuasion so many times throughout the Rise series. His easygoing charm can make him both motivating for loved ones and easy to underestimate for opponents.

Once Leo's self confidence improves some more, his social intelligence gives him the potential to become terrifyingly powerful. The ability to outwit geniuses by thinking outside the box. Negotiation skills that could put the average politician to shame. Eyes as sharp as his katanas, ones that could read people like comic books. An equally sharp tongue able to flip entire situations in his team's favor through words alone.

Next to hope, Leo's face truly is his most dangerous weapon. He just needs to learn how to not let it control him. I'd love to see Leo further develop this more charismatic style of leadership that tends to set him apart from his past series' counterparts.