Jack Shepard: Hero or Goat? Get on Record

As many of you know I still think of Jack as the Hero of this show. He is not perfect, but his mistakes have not been "selfish" or evil. If anything his most common mistake is being too trusting.

I am starting this post to let us "Go on the Record" concerning Jack. If you are a regular of this board I think you should have no problem giving you position.

What I want to avoid is some people changing their tune after the season ends.

So please, give you position BEFORE the last episode of season three.

Jack=hero

I think Jack is ultimately a good guy. He does things that I don't like and he is definitely not one of my favorite characters. I don't think he is working for the others unless he is under the influence of brainwashing or drugs or something. Which I don't think he is.
Jack irritates me with his my way or the highway attitude. He always thinks his way is the right way and he won't listen to anybody else. He isn't the super hero that Kate thinks he is. He is good in a crisis, but he should leave the long term planning to someone else.

RUmooningme, it seems like there is a little edge in that last post of yours. Tell us how you really feel. (sarcasm implied)

Jack has shown himself to be (at times obcessively) loyal, trustworthy, and generally trying to do what is best for everyone. He's also stubborn, emotionally reserved, and not impervious to temptation. I don't think he's abandoned the Losties, not at heart. Not indifinately, anyway. He may be wavering, just like all the other characters have at other points in the story.

There are no heroes on Lost, only varying degrees of ethical and moral integrity.

Jack, just like many of the other Losties, is an antihero.

Jack will largely do what is the overall moral and just thing, but will not reclaim his former title of leader and "reluctant hero" until it is shoved down his ever loving throat, with him kicking and screaming the entire time.

He spent too much time at the start taking care of everyone and everything and had to ignore his skeletons. Well, he's finally had some quality feel sorry time and is relishing in some self-misery with his new self-misery gal pal.

He'll step back up to the plate, eventually, but relunctantly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

There are no heroes on Lost, only varying degrees of ethical and moral integrity.

Jack, just like many of the other Losties, is an antihero.

Well said Stewie and I agree. I think Jack, like many of the original main characters, has taken a back seat to the actual story of the island and how the Others got there.

In season 1, Jack was the reluctant hero. In season 2, his behavior changed and he kind of became too obsessed with violence in his quest to 'defeat' the Others. In season 3, he's obviously changed again, but we really haven't seen that much of him. His opinions and goals have become somewhat of a mystery.

I have made this same statement over and over again, albeit phrased in a slightly different way. I thought I would take a more light hearted approach this time.

Jack gets happy and Jack gets mad.
But, I’m telling you cats that Jack is bad.
Jack’s got the bod, yeah Jack is hard.
And all the pretty girls come play in Jack’s yard.
My word of caution is don’t be a fool.
Jack already sent a couple kids back to school.

Remember season 1, oh it was fun.
Jack killed the Marshall who had Kate on the run.
When he and Kate were caught in the net,
Jack made a shot I won’t soon forget.
He beat the conman playing poker,
And caught Sawyer cheating, that clever Joker.
When thief Kate tried to pick a dead man’s pocket,
Sharp eyed Jack was watching and caught it.
Not quite the skills of a Doctor Man,
Closer to a man who is on the lam.
He’s got a past that we haven’t yet seen.
Don’t forget about Bangkok when He got so mean.
Something hidden drives our boy named Jack.
I think his soul’s trying to make it back.

See all our losties suffer some form of strife,
A part of their past they need to make right.
Like us, they suffer from the human condition.
We can’t escape our sin, but dread perdition.
When absolution or redemption comes,
Then they’re off the show, cast minus one.
Are they good? On the surface….some.
But deep down……no, not one.
For just as the Good Book gives report.
We all are wicked and do fall short.
All can find salvation close.
But, first they should stop shedding their clothes.

Will his demons be resolved at last,
First he must absolve his past.
We see Jack in a light so fair.
I urge you all, best beware.

WOW! That is pretty awesome DogFather. I think Jack is doing what he thinks is best for everyone. I don't think he is working with the Others. But if he is going to be a better leader he needs to respect the other Losties opinions and listen to their input etc. It is almost like being the leader went to his head a bit 'she is under my protection' etc. Ridiculous. Someone needs to shake him and yell "who are you and what have you done with Jack" ala Invasion of the Body Snatchers. But my vote is Jack is good, somewhat stupid, definitely hiding something in his past, but GOOD. I'm waiting for some really cool explanation for his behavior that impresses us.etc Jack=Hero

Dogfather that was GREAT!! Very talented! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you. I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip.