I've got to admit - I've never been a fan of Jack. He's always seemed somewhat droopy and indifferent to everything. I assumed that everyone looked to him to lead as he is a doctor, not because of his leadership abilities or charisma.

But this episode, I enjoyed seeing the new, impassioned Jack - completely changed my opinion! He does have feelings! It was so cool to see him running around and getting angry after he found out about Shannon - it showed he was human, and not a medically trained automaton.

I know this is probably intentional on the part of the writers, since his lack of bedside manner has always been emphasised. I just found it really refreshing and exciting to see him lose control, if only for a short time.

Sorry if I upset any protective Jack fans, this is just my opinion, please don't lynch me!

I really liked Jack in this episode too. I especially liked how he backed off and let Kate deal with Sawyer's pill-taking. Jack is learning to let go...and I think the character will be better for it.

I'm really happy that viewers are enjoying the character (almost) as much as I do. :biggrin: but I think you'd be surprised at how consistent the character actually is. There's nothing really "new" about him this season, there's just certain parts of him that are coming out stronger than before.

If you look back at Season 1 you'll find the same humanity and passion that we saw last night, just buried under a layer of uncertainty or fear of failure, for example.

If you have the DVDs and some time, I'd encourage anyone who finds they like Jack more this season to go back and watch a few episodes with their new perspective. You might be surprised by what you discover. :smile:

I just hope he stays that way! Crazy Jack is much more interesting to watch, and there's more chance for conflict if he's not so cool and calm all the time.

I suppose it was a weird day for him (yeah, like the rest have been totally normal!), what with the whole finding out that women don't necessarily go for the reliable doctor-types and realising that for all his imperfections, Sawyer has bonded with Kate in a deeper way that he has (all Jack does is play games with her (both literally and metaphorically).

And then of course feeling threatened by unwelcome intruders (tailies) has thrown him too. I suppose after the shock of not being as close as he thought he was to Kate (or at least realising that someone else is closer), he just snapped when he found out that his gang are being attacked, after all his efforts to keep them alive.

I loved that crazy look in his eyes right before (and after) Eko told him it was Ana Lucia. It put him in a completely different light, for me anyway.

I really liked Jack in this episode too. I especially liked how he backed off and let Kate deal with Sawyer's pill-taking. Jack is learning to let go...and I think the character will be better for it.

actually, i kinda felt sorry for him during that. but he now has ana-lucia, though.:smile:

You're probably right Shepardess. I think that my problem with the character of Jack stems from his backstory detracting from the creepiness of the island.

Jack's flashbacks started at an early stage of the show, when we were still finding out so much about the mysteries of the island. Jack's relationship with his father just can't compete with the whole 'french transmission on a loop for 16 years' thing. I think in the early days I just wanted to stay with the island, and couldn't really get involved with Jack's past at the time.

I think I will go and watch the DVDs, and try to focus on the positive with regards to Jack. At least I won't be desparate to see what's happening on the island this time - I'm sure the answers to the questions raised in the first few episodes won't be answered until at least season 3!

I felt sorry for him too. That look of realisation that he hadn't won Kate's heart just said it all.

I think there is a great deal more heat and intensity in his relationship with Ana Lucia - they're much better suited (in terms of entertainment value, if nothing else!)

Wow - I never thought I'd be this enthused about Jack! Sawyer, Sayid and Sun, yes. But Jack? weird.

I found Jack to be a believable character. He has depth in him.

It is going to be really interesting to see how he reacts to Ana Lucia especially since he had prior knowledge of her and knows that she killed Shannon. i am looking forward to seeing how he handles his "leadership" responsibilities.

I very much enjoyed crazy and passionate Jack in this episode, the way he reacted to finding out about Shannon just showed how much of a natural leader he really is. I doubt Sawyer, for example, would react in the same fashion.

Go Jack!

I totally agree. The new Jack is so kickass.

The writers have really worked on him this season (keep in mind they orginally intended to kill him off in the pilot, so its understandable that it would take some time for them to figure out his depth). Episodes 1 and 3 this season were a real turning point for Jack in that he had to face up to his fear of fate and destiny through Desmond and the countdown in the hatch. That's set off all his internal conflict and brought out the layers we didn't see much of in the first season.

The writers said in the podcast that Jack was 'evolving'. He is still stubborn..but for instance last season he was relunctant to use the firearms but for Collision' he went right straight to the rifles!