# R O B E R T  J O H N S O N.

Robert Johnson, simply known by his last name, is a member of the 3 River Phoenixes. The Phoenixes work for a gang called the Brawlers, transporting supplies, between their thirteen Bang-A-Rang locations. The Bang-A-Rangs are stip clubs owned by the Brawlers. Nothing is known about Johnson's life before he became a member of the Phoenixes, but he has since served with several other Phoenixes who were either promoted to Brawlers (Joel, Bru) or left the Brawlers entirely (Rita). Johnson has the longest membership as a Phoenix and is highly respected, both by the Brawlers, as well as other gangs, having made a reputation for himself. Despite this, he does not lead the Phoenixes, as he has no interest in being a leader, instead leaving that role with Matty.

*****

Upon Ethan's arrival at the Bang-A-Rang 707, Joel introduces him to Matty and Johnson, the current 3 River Phoenixes. During a backroom interview, Matty criticizes Ethan’s lack of knowledge about the Brawlers and the Phoenixes in particular, while Johnson remains quiet in the background. When Ethan admits he killed someone and feels he has nowhere to go, Matty and Johnson are intrigued, and Johnson places a black hood over Ethan's head. Matty and Johnson then bring Ethan to a bar, giving him brass knuckles and inviting him to prove himself by keeping up with them. Inside, they confront members of the Ghouls, and a fight breaks out. The Ghouls overpower Matty and Ethan and throw them out, with Johnson stepping out soon after. Matty proudly declares the injured Ethan a "Phoenix" and says Johnson can patch him up.

They then introduce Ethan to the world of the 3 River Phoenixes, explaining their role in transporting supplies between the thirteen Bang-A-Rang locations, often drinking along the way. Later, after Matty dissuades Meredith from giving Scratch (a drug) to Ethan, he and Johnson warn against getting involved with the Pin-Ups, recalling how Johnson had fallen for several of them, but none of them ever felt the same way. 

The Phoenixes then discuss the Brawlers' recent meeting with the Ghouls, with Matty admitting he was scared, unlike Ethan and Johnson. Ethan reveals that his mom briefly dated Witt, which Matty jokingly suggests sort of makes Witt Ethan's stepdad, to Johnson's surprise. Ethan shares more of his tough past, but Matty assures him that he is now part of the Phoenixes and is therefore safe, and they drink to their current lives.

The Phoenixes later give Meredith a ride to a pay phone, with Matty and Johnson advising her to leave Ethan alone as she flirts with him. When they drop her off, she thanks them with some Scratch, Johnson tells Ethan she is Burt’s daughter.

After a close call with a traffic cop, Ethan asks Matty and Johnson why they stay with the Brawlers, which Matty says can be answered with the help of Scratch. They take the drugs, and Matty and Johnson recount how the Brawlers always had each other amidst gang conflicts, until Katherine betrayed them all by conspiring with the Happiness Ghouls, leading to a deadly ambush. This betrayal forced Burt to adopt a more aggressive approach to protect his gang, which Johnson called "the Emboldened Conflict." The Brawlers expanded as misfits and outlaws joined, fighting together to form a new family where everyone’s past is forgotten.

When Meredith later calls The Phoenixes, asking them to bring her motorcycle, they do so, and she reminds them about Cop Night at the Bang-A-Rang. The Phoenixes decide to take a break to play baseball, during which Matty prompts Ethan to repeat the story of the murder he committed. Ethan adds that he learned the victim died after he was bailed out of jail and expresses no regret, as the experience led him to the Phoenixes. As the Monster Ring drives through the Brawlers’ territory after leaving the checkpoint, they pass the Phoenixes en route, and everyone looks at each other. Upon reaching the checkpoint, the Phoenixes are confronted with Katherine's actions, finding Percy dead, wearing a Ghouls mask. They, along with Joel, later catch up with Bash at the Ghouls' bar after Bash has killed several of the Ghoul members.

During Percy's funeral, the Phoenixes remain silent as the Brawlers cheer Burt's declaration of war. At a diner afterward, they reflect on Burt's speech, Johnson urging Matty to keep his eagerness for war to himself. Katherine sits next to Ethan and makes small talk with the Phoenixes, pretending not to know of them. Johnson recognizes Katherine and notices Ethan's reaction to her, but pretends he doesn't, and only tells her they work in transportation.

The Phoenixes then find Meredith after she escapes from the Ghouls and speculate that she was targeted because she's Burt's daughter. At the Bang-A-Rang later, Matty expresses frustration over Meredith’s situation, believing it all stemmed from taking Ethan to the Ghouls' bar for initiation, but Johnson reminds him that the conflict was brewing regardless. After Burt's return, Burt approaches Johnson and says he will ride with the Phoenixes to visit other chapters, to which Johnson submissively agrees. In the car, Burt assures the Phoenixes they are essential to the Brawlers' operation and promises to reward them after their time is served.

The Phoenixes receive a call on their car phone about a failed Bang-A-Rang robbery by the Monster Ring. After Ethan kills Avron, the Phoenixes clean up the scene, and Johnson says they can take the body to someone named Alice. Bru tells the Phoenixes about the raid on Katherine’s motel and the attack on Bash, nearly finding Avron's body.

The Monster Ring intercepts the 3 River Phoenixes on the road for their cash and takes Ethan hostage, driving off. However, Matty and Johnson get ahead of them and block their way, prioritizing Ethan's return over the money. Ethan rejoins them, and they take off again. As Brawlers sent by Burt to capture Ethan close in on the Phoenixes, Johnson deduces Burt and Joel are aware that Ethan is the mole, prompting Ethan's confession. Johnson leaves it up to Matty to turn him in or flee, and Matty initially opts to escape, but then hits the brakes, the Phoenixes looking at the guns on the roof. Matty and Johnson arm themselves and gun down the approaching Brawlers before driving away, deciding to leave the Brawlers behind for good and start something new for themselves.

*****

Personality-wise, Johnson is quiet but confident. Calm. Calculating. Observant. Dutiful. He takes his job seriously, and is loyal, but not to a fault, as seen with how he is willing to turn his back on the Brawlers even after so many years working for them.