Part 10/12:
Ultimately, Leslie's casting has a chance to redefine the narrative if the showrunners lean into meaningful storytelling. Leslie appears engaged and enthusiastic, and perhaps her presence will bring fresh energy to the series. Critics, however, remain cautious, wary of how the character’s background will be portrayed — whether as an authentic redemption arc or as shallow tokenism.
In the end, Leslie’s agency in accepting the role, and her expressed comfort with the character, highlight her autonomy. Whether audiences and critics will accept her portrayal remains to be seen.