Adam Gessaman Apr 29, 2024
Lego is a mirror for society.
Show threadeuroplus Apr 30, 2024

@adam I'm just gonna say, I think the two in the middle of that progression are motorcycle cops (leather jackets and sunglasses), so those are motorcycle helmets, not riot gear helmets.

And, of course, it's possible to swap heads and helmets, so maybe the riot gear one is a Tie Fighter helmet, and that cop body originally had a head that smiled like the others!

Would love to see boxes/manuals for cop-related Lego sets over the years anyway - the "no arms" one in comments I find fascinating.

Show threadeuroplus 
@adam helmet goes with that body in #4 and is a riot gear helmet, but at least in the "real" minifig he's still smiling! 🤣 https://www.brickowl.com/catalog/lego-policeman-with-riot-helmet-minifigure
LEGO Policeman with Riot Helmet Minifigure | Brick Owl - LEGO Marketplace

Buy LEGO Policeman with Riot Helmet Minifigure from the LEGO City theme.

Apr 30, 2024 at 5:53amWeb
Show threadAdam Gessaman Apr 30, 2024
@europlus With the eyebrows I’m not sure I’d call that a smile. Here’s a link to the set where number 4 came from: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=60009-1&viewItemType=M
BrickLink Reference Catalog - Inventory of Set 60009-1

BrickLink® is the world's largest online marketplace to buy and sell LEGO® parts, Minifigures and sets, both new or used. Search the complete LEGO catalog & create your own BrickLink store.

Show threadeuroplus Apr 30, 2024

@adam ok, 2 sets with similar bodies and helmets, but different heads, and the helmet is a riot gear helmet (not a tie fighter pilot one!).

I just think drawing the motorcycle cops in muddies the water, and I’d honestly find it more impactful just showing the two endpoints.

But that’s just me.

Show threadAdam Gessaman Apr 30, 2024

@europlus That's a fair interpretation of the motorcycle cops. Although even comparing #2 to #3 shows a bit of a trend in terms of facial expression.

I've included a screenshot of the minifig from Bricklink. It sure looks identical to #4.

Feel free to design another comparison. Maybe a before/after model would be better than a continuum.