With both characters existing in the real world, it makes sense for Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ Frette and Valentine to return in Borderlands 4.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands features some standout characters, but a few only exist inside of Tina’s fictional world. Wastard, for example, could not appear inside of the Borderlands universe, as he is only a figment of Tina’s imagination. Likewise, while the Dragon Lord’s tragic backstory makes him a memorable villain that many would like to see again, he too is just someone that Tina made up from scratch for her campaign.
The same cannot be said for the Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands characters Frette and Valentine, as these two are very much real and exist outside of The Wonderlands. After Valentine crashes the ship that they were using to get around, the two find themselves in Tina’s cave playing Bunkers and Badasses. With these Borderlands characters being real and not figments of Tina’s imagination, they are free to appear in the mainline Borderlands series, and they absolutely should.
Both Frette and Valentine add a lot to Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, as it is hard to imagine the story being as funny without them. The former’s focus on following the rules and the latter’s willingness to break them leads to some excellent exchanges, and the two add some different kinds of humor than what players might be used to from Borderlands. While it would have been nice to see Lilith and Mordecai again, it was good to hear some fresh voices and opinions on Tina’s campaign.
Bringing Valentine and Frette back could open some interesting storytelling opportunities as well. With Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands taking place shortly after Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3 happening seven years after that game, there is no telling what the pair has been up to. Not only could Gearbox keep telling Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands stories between those game, but it could be fun to see how Frette and Valentine have changed over the years.
Bringing back Frette and Valentine in Borderlands 4 or even the upcoming Tales from the Borderlands 2 could provide an opportunity for character development. Frette could be a bit more carefree and understanding of human culture, while Valentine could be more patient and careful – while still maintaining his goofy charm. Though Frette would obviously not have changed much over the years, Valentine would be a bit older, allowing for an updated character model.
The only thing working against the idea of a Frette and Valentine comeback is that celebrity actors played these Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands characters. Wanda Sykes and Andy Samberg surely have busy schedules, so bringing them in to voice their respective characters whenever Gearbox wants to use them could prove difficult. While the developer could always recast Frette and Valentine, the controversy around Rhys’ actor being changed shows why this would be a questionable move. Further, both actors nailed their parts, bringing their characters to life and making them stand out.
Hopefully, Gearbox is able to bring back Wanda Sykes and Andy Samberg in the future, as the two were integral to Frette and Valentine working as well as they did. These characters were hilarious and interesting, and it would be great to learn more about them going forward. Considering how lovable Tiny Tina is, it would make sense for her to have plenty of friends beyond the B Team. Bringing back Frette and Valentine will show that this is the case while also giving them an opportunity to interact with other Borderlands characters that fans love.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
A lifelong gamer and comics fan who loves writing about everything in nerd culture… and has a small addiction to trophy and achievement hunting.
