I think the word ‘best’ can be an ambiguous term when it comes to the partners in L.A. Noire. Best in terms of their investigative abilities, in terms of their relationship with Cole Phelps. Perhaps a particular partner is ‘best’ because of how good they are as a creative character. ‘Best’ in a moral sense. Well we all know who’s coming in last if that’s the criteria. Oh quiet down Roy, don’t be so sensitive. This list will encompass all the aspects I have listed above, ranking the five partners from okay to best.
5. Ralph Dunn (Ok)
"Phelps, we can come out of this all bright and shiny with a commendation, or stick our schlongs in a hornet's nest. Call it in, partner, and leave the book where you found it." Ralph Dunn.
Ralph Dunn is your partner for the Patrol desk. Ralph and Cole have a solid professional relationship, with Ralph proving to be a stalwart patrol officer.
However, Ralph is often hesitant to use his initiative and seems content with the simple and mediocre role he has in the LAPD.
This is evident in his appearance in the Arson case Nicholson Electroplating. Unlike Cole who has advanced through many different desks as a detective. Ralph is still donning the blue uniform of a patrol officer. Either he is content or he lacks the ambition to pursue career advancement.
Naturally, I have to rank Ralph last. He lacks the depth and development of the other partners and he fails to leave a lasting impression.
4. Stefan Bekowsky (Good)
"They really pushed you through quick, didn't they? Six years on Patrol before I got this desk, you were here in five minutes.” Stefan Bekowsky.
Stefan Bekowsky is your partner for the Traffic Desk. Stefan and Cole don’t exactly get off to a good start, with many instances of them getting on each other’s nerves.
This is due in part to Stefan envying the fact that Cole has earned himself a rather rapid promotion to the Traffic desk. Though, as they spend more time together and begin to solve case after case. They develop a respect for each other, a respect that would turn into a friendship.
I think I’m going to rustle a lot of jimmies by ranking Stefan second to last, so allow me to explain before you get the pitchforks out.
Stefan is a good partner, with witty dialogue and an endearing personality. Unlike Ralph, he is clearly a man of ambition and competence. As he is promoted from Traffic to Burglary and then later to Homicide.
I was originally going to rank Rusty in fourth place. However, though Stefan has many admirable qualities, he doesn’t leave the same impression Rusty did. Furthermore, I went from disliking Rusty to becoming quite fond of him.
3. Rusty Galloway (Good)
"It leaves me saddled with a chump like you, Phelps. I didn't ask for you and I don't want you. So keep it to yourself." Rusty Galloway.
Rusty Galloway is your partner for the Homicide desk. He is a hardened and world weary detective that, like Stefan, takes an instant dislike to Cole. This animosity stems from Cole’s rapid promotion through the LAPD, with many officers holding the opinion that Cole hasn’t earned his place.
Rusty and Cole are two very different people. Rusty is hard-nosed and brutish, believing an interrogation isn’t an interrogation unless there’s some violence. He remained dogmatic and stubborn throughout the murder cases, refusing to believe that it was all the work of a single man.
Cole on the other hand is intelligent, sophisticated and nuanced.
On my first playthrough of L.A. Noire I really disliked Rusty, I found him incredibly ignorant and one dimensional. The serial killer, Garret Mason calls Rusty a, ‘boorish ignoramus’. You know it’s bad when you find yourself agreeing with a sadistic killer.
However, on my future playthroughs, I began to find myself being charmed by Rusty’s blunt, sarcastic nature. He has a cynical view of the world and as I’ve gotten older. I found myself relating more and more to Rusty’s cynicism.
I think any character that has the ability to change someone’s opinion, should be paid their dues. That’s why Rusty earns the third place spot on this list.
2. Roy Earle (Excellent)
"Everyone has their vices. Even you, Phelps." Roy Earle.
Roy Earle is your partner for the Vice desk. Roy has many fingers in many pies. He plays both sides of the law, and comes across as a man with few principles and morals.
Unlike Cole’s other partners, Roy doesn’t exude jealousy or ill will towards Cole and even congratulates him on his ‘bravery’ during the war. He often remarks on Cole’s gifted abilities as a detective, even pulling a few strings in order for the two of them to be partnered together.
Cole and Earle often clash on what their roles and duties are as police officers. Cole has an idealistic view of the world and believes crime is something that can be rid from society. Earle on the other hand has a more realistic view and sees their role as damage limitation.
Roy Earle is not a good man; he looks down on the majority of people and makes racist remarks. He consorts with despicable human beings and prevents certain people from having justice served to them.
Having said all this, Roy Earle is a great character. His sardonic wit and cocky attitude often had me chuckling. His scenes and dialogue are some of the most memorable of the entire game. Roy has certainly earned his second place spot.
1. Herschel Biggs (Best)
"Well you picked the right place Cole: a city that needed an honest cop like a thirsty man needed water.” Herschel Biggs.
Herschel Biggs is your partner for the Arson desk. Herschel is a recluse who is viewed as an outsider by his fellow LAPD officers. A World War One veteran Herschel is a troubled and damaged soul.
He’s hostile and dismissive of Cole. Herschel feels wronged by the fact that he is forced to work with Cole and the two of them often butt heads. With Herschel expressing his contempt for Cole’s perceived hero complex.
As Herschel and Cole spend more time together and work various Arson cases, they develop a camaraderie and respect. Herschel is one of the few people who is actually saddened by Cole’s death.
I love Herschel’s voice, the grittiness of it tells you everything you need to know about his character. His opening monologues for the Patrol desk are pure poetry. Smooth, slick homages to the hardboiled noire genre.
Herschel is a complex character; he has a yearning to bring justice to those who have wronged the innocents of the world. A fine detective who has seen too much ugliness in the City of Angels.
Herschel’s memorable monologues, relationship with our protagonist and phenomenal voice acting earn him the top spot on this list.
So there it is. All of Cole Phelps’ partners ranked from ok to best. Do you agree with this list? Who would you rank at the top?
