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history3_trapped
Kicking off the series of character discussion threads right with Jack, everybody's favorite leather-clad mercenary and #1 TangFei shipper.
This thread will be full of spoilers, including the little bit of his background revealed in the second epilogue of the novelization.
Jack intrigued me from the very first scene in the series, where Tang Yi meets to negotiate with the Shi Ho Clan. Tang Yi projects an air of confidence, but Jack is the one with swagger as he faces down two pistols at point-blank range. And he grins as he stuffs his gun into a Shi Ho Clan member's hand, just in time as Unit Three bursts in to arrest everybody.
Throughout the rest of the series, Jack takes a special delight in terrorizing Li Zhi De,
cheering on Meng Shao Fei and Tang Yi from the benches,
and cooking for Zhao Zi, whom he finds charming due to Zhao Zi's immunity to his particular brand of intimidation.
We find out in late in the series that despite Jack's apparent competence and loyalty to Xin Tian Meng, it's all an act, as he's actually been hired by Interpol Chief Yan to infiltrate the syndicate and pass information on their operations to law enforcement. And his next mission is to worm his way into Chen Wen Hao's Cambodian syndicate.
That's when Jack realizes he might not actually want to go, because he's fallen in love with tiny cop disaster Zhao Zi. So when Zhao Zi finally confronts his own feelings and tells Jack not to go,
Jack ends his story arc as the most badassly adorable ex-mafia househusband since Tatsu.
But my favorite thing about Jack, besides how absolutely stacked he is, is that we just don't know that much about him. The second epilogue of the novelization, if it can be counted as canon, states that he was trained in the army, suggests he may have served as an elite assassin, and he left because he got bored of being a hitman. As for how long he's been in the employ of Interpol, we don't really know. We don't even really know from the series what makes Jack tick (other than Zhao Zi, of course), so Jack is a character who is ripe for fanfiction and fun to explore in fan creations.
There are a lot of different characterizations I've seen out there in the fandom, a lot of different interpretations of his life before the events we see in Trapped and after he settles down with Unit Three's resident cinnamon roll. There's a lot to discuss.
So, everybody, let's talk about Jack!
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 17:59 (UTC)In my opinion he gives off the most dangerous vibe from all characters with the exception of Wen Hao. When Jack was twirling his knife back and forth and Wen Hao looked at him, it was like two tigers seizing each other up. The tiny smirks they gave each other made me think 'ohh these two are quite alike, aren't they'.
Jack's speech about people using each other. That was rather cold, the words themselves, but in fact he's not a cold person, if anything I'd liken him to fire. Burning anything in its wake without care. It's fine as long as he gets to have some fun, as long as things are interesting. Fire is really pretty from afar but if you get too close you'd get burned. For me personally Tang Yi is cold, while Jack is hot. Not even sure how to explain that, it's the feeling I get from them.
The way I see it, Jack doesn't stay in one place often, from one assignment to another, so he doesn't allow himself to get close to anyone. Not until he meets Zhao Zi and his life changes.
Jack is still quite the mystery. He and Zhao Zi didn't get the same treatment as Shao Fei/Tang Yi and I understand, they're the secondary pairing and all. But I do wish they were given at least a bit more. Jack especially, they could have let us know more about him, because I understand how he is but I don't understand why he is, what made him the way he is. I guess it's true then that he's a pretty ideal character for fanfiction because we can do a lot with him.
Anyways, point is, he's the most fascinating character for me.
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 18:50 (UTC)Absolutely. I think Chen Wenhao sees that, too. The only difference is, Jack is better at it, and he knows he's (already) playing multiple sides. He knows he's got Chen Wenhao's number, not the other way around and I love it.
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 19:48 (UTC)He knows he's got Chen Wenhao's number, not the other way around
Ahahahah yep, so while Wenhao thinks he's in charge, offering Jack a job... he is actually doing exactly what Jack wants him to.
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 20:52 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Feb 2020 21:10 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Feb 2020 21:31 (UTC)no subject
Date: 15 Feb 2020 21:57 (UTC)I shouldn't laugh but... lol that's so true. It wouldn't hurt them to not goof around so much during work, and to be a bit more competent. xD
Same, I'd so read that if anyone were to write it! Like one day Zhao Zi comes to work and some higher-up gets all of Unit Three together and announces that they have hired a very experienced person to lead them. Someone that can whip them into shape.
And in walks Jack, with that familiar smirk on his face.
Plus, he'd get the pleasure of bossing Shao Fei around AND of being close to Zhao Zi (and making sure Zhao Zi doesn't get assigned to any too dangerous missions).
No offence to Shao Fei I like him... but Jack would do a better job at captaining the Unit. xD
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 22:18 (UTC)That line in the first episode when they're staring off after the Captain and Shao Fei all worried and Zhao Zi goes, "Maybe we should call the police..." and Jack is like "...aren't you the police?"
UNIT THREE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
And all the other little things, like when Zhao Zi is doing his backbend walk and Yu Qi trips over him. Like...these guys are way worse than the squad in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Jus' sayin'.
And in walks Jack, with that familiar smirk on his face.
OH MY GOD, DUDE, I CAN JUST IMAGINE.
MSF is incredibly indignant until he gets told that Jack's actually been undercover for the past four years. And then he's still sore about it and complains to Tang Yi, but manages to keep it mostly out of Jack's earshot. (Not that Jack minds MSF complaining, he thinks it's pretty funny.)
Ah-Jun thinks it's his worst nightmare come true. He is so intimidated by Jack. At least with Captain Shi, he knew where he stood. He knew when Captain Shi was angry, because he would shout. But Jack is always quiet. Jack always has a smile. Ah-Jun has no idea when Jack is angry, and it's THE WORST. Ah-Jun is a wreck.
Once Jack demonstrates his ability to bring some swift order and decorum to the precinct, Yu Qi is silently glad. Finally, somebody competent. Maybe Jack will notice that she is actually good at her job, and give her the more high profile cases. Finally, someone competent is in charge.
Zhao Zi is overjoyed to have Jack in charge, because it means he gets to spend more time with Jack than he would otherwise. He likes doing things together with Jack, like solve cases. It makes him feel immensely good. And when they really have to pull out all the stops, Jack goes out with them. It's a little against the rules, he is the Captain after all, but Jack is the best of the best. And it makes Zhao Zi feel a little better to have Jack in the field with him sometimes, they can look after each other.
In other words....
HOLY SHIT I WOULD READ THE FUCK OUT OF THIS AU SOMEBODY WRITE IT PLEEEEEASE.
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 22:47 (UTC)Ah-Jun thinks it's his worst nightmare come true. He is so intimidated by Jack. At least with Captain Shi, he knew where he stood. He knew when Captain Shi was angry, because he would shout. But Jack is always quiet. Jack always has a smile. woooooah, that is so spot on! I can just imagine it. Jack always has a smile on his face and you never know what he is thinking. His moods aren't easy to read. Surely it's intimidating to have a boss like that. But with time he starts to respect Jack because Jack is actually quite competent and he gets shit done.
Also I think Zhao Zi will learn with time to recognize what each of Jack's smiles mean, when he's tense, when he's on edge, when he's happy, when he's upset, etc. So the rest of the team looks at Zhao Zi to judge what mood Jack is in. xD
Once Jack demonstrates his ability to bring some swift order and decorum to the precinct, Yu Qi is silently glad. Finally, somebody competent. YES give that girl some high profile cases, Jack, she deserves it! >O<
And Zhao Zi would of course be so happy. They get to look after each other and they always make sure the other gets to eat, even during busy times.
Hey, you have almost fleshed it out, if you feel like writing it I can beta for you. *innocent blinking*
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 13:27 (UTC)*clutches face* OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I'VE STARTED WRITING IT.
Now that I've started it, I need a plot. *wails*
Jeez. I wouldn't trust this Unit with taking my pet for a walk! They would lose it. xD
This is SO TRUE. Unbelievable that in the novelization epilogues, he takes over as Captain. ...excuse me? HE'S LUCKY TO HAVE A JOB after getting it on with a mafia boss who later SHOT HIM IN THE SHOULDER. He's lucky he didn't get disciplined for that!
I agree, this Captain Jack AU is much better than actual canon.
Also I think Zhao Zi will learn with time to recognize what each of Jack's smiles mean, when he's tense, when he's on edge, when he's happy, when he's upset, etc. So the rest of the team looks at Zhao Zi to judge what mood Jack is in.
YES. Zhao Zi it the only person who can tell Jack's different moods and expressions apart. They all look the same to everybody else, but ZZ always knows how Jack is really feeling.
They get to look after each other and they always make sure the other gets to eat, even during busy times.
OMG, that is so cute. When it's really busy, Jack will actually go out and come back with food, or on the weekends when they're both off-duty, they do a lot of cooking together so they have enough to eat for the next few days.
YES, I LIKE THIS ALTERNATE FUTURE.
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 19:31 (UTC)I'm rooting for you! 👏 The plot will come, don't worry!
Unbelievable that in the novelization epilogues, he takes over as Captain. ...excuse me? HE'S LUCKY TO HAVE A JOB after getting it on with a mafia boss who later SHOT HIM IN THE SHOULDER.
Ahahahahah you're right. No joke I was surprised too! I have watched a lot of media with cops and investigations etc. Shao Fei is probably the most reckless cop I've come across. Super impulsive. In real life he'd be fired ten times over after the shit he's pulled. I love the guy but his one working brain cell is always with Tang Yi. But hey, he's the main character of course he'll end up as Captain. I personally think he's not yet ready for it - he can't be responsible for himself, always running into places without warrants, breaking rules, even stalking people etc. So how is he going to be responsible for a whole team?
Jack would, by far, be a better fit as Captain. I mean he loves thrills but he's also the thinking/brooding type. A guy with a plan. Jack plays the long con and plays it well so you know he's got brains. If he's on your side you know you can depend on him. And I think it would fit his character well too. I do like the canon but him just being at home and cooking is kinda wasting his talents, no?
When it's really busy, Jack will actually go out and come back with food, or on the weekends when they're both off-duty, they do a lot of cooking together so they have enough to eat for the next few days.
Ah this is so adorable! Cooking together side by side, casually discussing cases, just basking in the familiarity and the knowledge they get to be together both at home and at work. Before Jack became the captain of the team they missed each other terribly. But now they get to be together even during the work days. And maybe some of the team would be like ?? 'wtf, don't you get sick of each other?' ahahahhahaha.
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 00:55 (UTC)no subject
Date: 16 Feb 2020 13:10 (UTC)I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY.
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 16:00 (UTC)eta: the "am I dreaming" exchange is 100% solid gold omg
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 20:45 (UTC)OH MY GOD, YES, that is such a great way to put it. Two tigers, circling.
I really like they way they filmed those moments, because they're not too overt, but they plant enough of a seed in your head that you're not surprised when CWH calls Jack into a private meeting, and Jack hints that he's far too capable and competent for staying in a tiny little Taiwanese satellite operation.
if anything I'd liken him to fire. Burning anything in its wake without care.
OOOH, that is also a great metaphor for Jack. I haven't really been able to put it into words yet, but you have!
I think that with fire things also get consumed quickly? I see Jack as the type of person who keeps moving on ('easy come, easy go' as he puts it) precisely because he burns through things in a short period of time, and then there's nothing left and he's looking for the next thing.
I imagine he's the type of guy who has sexual flings before, and that he lets that desire burn hot and bright, but then it's over and done—that was that. And he hasn't really let anybody in, emotionally. Or perhaps nobody's been interested enough to want to go in, either.
Yeah, the fire metaphor works really well! <33
because I understand how he is but I don't understand why he is, what made him the way he is.
I'm actually really glad that they didn't delve too deep into Jack's character. I think I have had much more fun thinking or speculating on Jack's backstory and motivations, than if they actually gave me something in canon. Some characters also just are, you know?
The way that I write Jack (and this is just my own interpretation, and the fun of the character is that there can be so many interpretations that are different), he just has that innate desire to do dangerous things and put his life on the line. I don't write him as having suffered a particular trauma or event that made him the way he is. Jack just is that way. Doing dangerous stuff is what makes him feel alive.
And then he meets Zhao Zi, and Zhao Zi makes him feel alive in a new and different and better and interesting way, and I see Jack as willing to give up his old, dangerous life for this fresh, new, incredibly novel househusband thing. It's a completely different challenge than what he had before, and he finds that he likes it.
Anyways, that's my two cents on what I think makes Jack tick. (ノ*°▽°*)
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 21:07 (UTC)Ahh yes exactly! I couldn't quite put my finger on why I see him as a fire kind of person but you managed to put it into words!
he just has that innate desire to do dangerous things and put his life on the line. Jack just is that way. Doing dangerous stuff is what makes him feel alive.
Definitely, I think he loves the thrill, the danger, he lives for it. Lives for it until he meets Zhao Zi. And then Jack decides he wants to live for him.
In some scenes I see him kind of... pacing around like a caged animal? And so often twirling his knife back and forth. But when he is with Zhao Zi he looks settled down, content, at peace.
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 21:41 (UTC)THIS. 110% this.
If he goes to Cambodia, he might actually lose everything he could have with Zhao Zi, that different glimpse of what being alive might mean, and that's why he doesn't want to go. Why he stays when ZZ finally asks.
In some scenes I see him kind of... pacing around like a caged animal? And so often twirling his knife back and forth. But when he is with Zhao Zi he looks settled down, content, at peace.
YAAAAAAASSS! He's very...broody and thinky when he's got his knife out. I wonder if that's just like...his tic when he's thinking about something, maybe when he worries, when he considers the next step in the complicated game he's playing. But when he's with ZZ, he doesn't have to do that. He can just be.
I love how on the same wavelength are about Jack. <33333
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Date: 15 Feb 2020 23:37 (UTC)I would have probably cried if they didn't have a happy ending, for me they were the most interesting part of the show. <3
Jack flipping the knife is so pretty to me. Aesthetically pleasing. :3 And honestly I think it could mean so many things. Playing with it when he's bored, when he wants to intimidate someone, when thinking of the next step in his plan, when he hasn't been out doing anything exciting for too long and there's an itchy feeling under his skin, when he wants to bury the knife in someone. Maybe it's like a... security blanket too. It's always with him. But yes, when he is with Zhao Zi he never plays with it. When they are together Zhao Zi is the only thing he needs to feel calm. The only thing he needs to ground him is his small weird boyfriend.
Maybe before he met Zhao Zi he didn't even know what feeling at peace was like.
It seems we're sharing 1 brain cell when it comes to Jack. xD For real though, I can feel how much you love this character when you write about him. <3 Good! He deserves to be loved. :3
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 13:35 (UTC)I think if Zhao Zi didn't ask him to stay a part of Jack would have been so disappointed. To not be able to explore this new thing, these new feelings when he's with Zhao Zi.
I do not doubt for a single moment that when Jack said "or do you want leave me heartbroken" that he meant it. He would have been HEARTBROKEN if ZZ hadn't reciprocated.
He never wanted to remain in one place for long, never found a reason to. Not until he met Zhao Zi and realised he wanted to stay.
THIS. *points* SO MUCH THIS.
I would have probably cried if they didn't have a happy ending, for me they were the most interesting part of the show. <3
I would have flipped a fucking table if they hadn't gotten together, or if they had somehow ended up having a sad ending. (Like the main couple in Make Our Days Count...WHAT THE FUCK DID THE WRITERS DO AND WHYYYYYYY)
I am so glad they get to be happy and together and domestic and their silly selves and...aaaah, that is everything I wanted out of the show
besides more sex.Maybe it's like a... security blanket too. It's always with him.
Oh yes, exactly what you said. We never see him playing with when he's with ZZ, and that is...such a telling difference? Every time he's playing with it in the series he is tense in some way, but he's never tense around ZZ.
Maybe before he met Zhao Zi he didn't even know what feeling at peace was like.
*points up again* YAAAAS, I love how you put that.
We have like...our one Jack brain cell that we share. I love it. <333333
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 20:39 (UTC)Ahhhh thank you! <3 I realised I didn't have a Jack icon and I had to remedy that. xD I LOVE it when he gets that slightly crazy look in his eyes.
I do not doubt for a single moment that when Jack said "or do you want to leave me heartbroken" that he meant it. He would have been HEARTBROKEN if ZZ hadn't reciprocated.
OHHHHH gosh absolutely.;; His 'do you want me to leave satisfied or do you want me to leave heartbroken' had me dying. He was being honest, he put his feelings on the line. Right after doing something scary like negotiating going to Cambodia to infiltrate the drug route, the first thing he did was go to see Zhao Zi. After doing something scary like that what he needed was Zhao Zi's calming and warm company. And because he knew they don't have much time but he wanted to spend time with Zhao Zi before then.
Funny thing is Jack actually THOUGHT that if Zhao Zi gave him a positive answer he would have been able to leave satisfied ?? lol~ Like hell no, sorry Jack, if that happened you wouldn't have been able to leave him anyway!
Ohh I haven't watched Make Our Days Count. It's on my to-watch list. But I know it has a sad ending so I'm kinda avoiding it. I hate sad endings... I'm super glad Jackzi are happily together. <3
We never see him playing with when he's with ZZ, and that is...such a telling difference?
Definitely, Jack doesn't need a security blanket when he's around Zhao Zi. He feels safe and at ease. Zhao Zi's company is enough. <3 Maybe because Jack has spent such a long time around liars, deceivers, gangsters, people with ulterior motives. That Zhao Zi, bright and naive and so genuine... how could Jack resist him? Uhhh, I love their dynamic a lot.
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Date: 17 Feb 2020 19:17 (UTC)Jack's slightly crazy gleam is definitely one of the things that drew me to him as a character. He's...not a normal person, he's just a little bit off.
Funny thing is Jack actually THOUGHT that if Zhao Zi gave him a positive answer he would have been able to leave satisfied ??
That's a good point, actually. Now that you question it...I think what might've happened if Zhao Zi gave him a positive answer that night, is that Jack would left...and then he's in Cambodia days later, and realizes he's made A HUGE MISTAKE, because he left his heart in Taiwan. WHOOPS!
Ohh I haven't watched Make Our Days Count. It's on my to-watch list. But I know it has a sad ending so I'm kinda avoiding it. I hate sad endings...
Yeah, if you hate sad endings, then I would not recommend MODC. I kind of hate-watched my way through it, and there's very little to redeem it. The acting is worse. The writing is worse (and plagiarized off an early 90's BL manga, LOL). The relationships are boring, and I have a hard time seeing why either of the couples are actually together. ...and then that ending? YEESH. You're not missing anything, I promise.
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Date: 17 Feb 2020 20:49 (UTC)Abso-fucking-lutely! It's kinda hot lol~ From the first scene it's clear he's just a little bit psycho. The way he held himself with so much confidence, the way he faced two guns without fear, and goshhh him fighting? That was such a treat! I really wish Andy had more fight scenes because he did so well.
Jack totally stole my attention right from the beginning. No offence to Tang Yi, but he doesn't have Jack's swagger. xD Jack is more... sexy and ruggedly handsome. His black gloves, motorcycle, leather jacket, chains, etc. What a look~! <3
I loved how he just shoved his gun in the other guy's hand right before the police came in. And he looked all innocent 'oops look at me, not armed, so harmless!!' and the smirk on his face when he raised his hands. Totally at ease. That first scene showed a lot about Jack. How much of a mischievous guy he was, dangerous yet playful.
and then he's in Cambodia days later, and realizes he's made A HUGE MISTAKE, because he left his heart in Taiwan. WHOOPS! Ahhahahahahah I can see that and to be honest I would give him 3 days tops to realise he's made a mistake. I mean, he would miss Zhao Zi so much ?? I don't think he'd realise how much he would miss Zhao Zi. Until he is in another country and the lack of his tiny weird sunshine feels suffocating.
When he came over to Zhao Zi's house and Zhao Zi was like 'Jack? why did you come?' the way Jack answers 'I missed you' easy as breathing?? so soft and so genuine ! he just.. he *bursts into tears* ;;
Well, I was planning to watch MODC but I'm reconsidering now haha. xD Maybe if I'm very bored AND also I won't watch the last episode. xD
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 00:59 (UTC)Same. Also lemme just say without saying too much, those dudes? Can't lie, good times.
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 13:36 (UTC)Sorry, did you mean to say, "Good lay, good times?"
FTFY!
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Date: 16 Feb 2020 16:02 (UTC)