I'm having difficulty understanding Leon's intentions. Clearly, the deal he struck with Ryusuke was designed to sink Beck. But, on the flip side, should the band somehow strike gold, Leon reaps the benefits. I would assume he cares more about money than retribution.

Furthermore, if he truly wanted the band to fail, he wouldn't have given Ryusuke Lucille and sent him on his way. Yet, upon learning Beck is pulling in the crowd like a Hayashibara Megumi concert, he gets bent out of shape and heads out to (presumably) pop a cap in someone's ass. The guy's a mystery inside an enigma wrapped in a bad voice actor.

Obviously, I'm interested in seeing what comes of this. And, for those of you who have read the manga, please note I'm simply thinking out loud here. Keep the spoilers to yourself for the time being.

Oh, and one last thing: Koyuki still can't sing. Then again, neither can Yoshito.

Poor Maho.

Leon is indeed a strange character... I think the reason he gave Ryusuke Lucille back is because his uncle asked him to, and the only person he loves is his uncle, so it probably was out of respect for his uncle...

To be honest I think everything that has to do with Leon is unnecessary. They really do not need to add any artificial suspense in the form of gangsters in my opinion. Beck is good enough to stand on it's own anyway. Still love the show of course. ;)

at least I'm not the only one confuzzled concerning Leon

I got the impression that he respected Ryu in a way... why else be interested in Ryu's bet if not to see if he can pull it off? And then he is suddenly angry when ppl start showing up at the third stage?
couldn't help but be confused at that

I stopped reading the manga a long time ago so I'll be interested to see what the deal is with Mr. Sykes

Well i guess adding Leon to the plot just made things harder to the band to come together and own the crowd so easy. right?
I dont hate on his voice actor nor on the way koyuki sings.. (i cant sing for jack) compared to him!!
I'm still interested in the end, been watching since the beginning so i dont wanna jump to the manga and spoil the fun.

Leon's part is confusing, but c'mon, he's not the worst English voice actor in this story by a long shot. He's just the worst of the voice actors portraying black characters. The other two black characters have the best English in the show. I only mention it because Beck has this strange relationship with the English language - it's like being forced to watch bad dubs, even though it's subtitled.
I agree with Mattias, though - the unneeded suspense of the 'gangsta' connection reminds me of the unneeded 'universe in danger' plot devices of, oh, dozens of other anime.
And yet I continue to watch...