[Character Discussion Thread] Jack

[doctorskuld]

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!

Comments

[micuko]

Jack's slightly crazy gleam is definitely one of the things that drew me to him as a character

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