#when i read DSIA for the first time i thought Jack being the big brother was a bit of an exaggeration

[mikiusol]

I've been rewatching TFP these days (very very slowly) and I've come to realise that..,.,. Jack's a very responsible person. I knew it the first time I watched the show, but rewatching made me realise that he gives off major big brother vibes.

In episode 4, Jack and Raf ran after Miko to stop her from going with Bulkhead but they were swarmed by Vehicons shooting at them. He ran to shield Raf with his body after the latter fell on the ground from the impact of one of the blasts. They were saved by Bulkhead of course. Honestly, this scene plays in my mind often. Jack risked his neck to save Raf.

When he confronted Miko on the Nemesis for running off, he told her "Well, maybe I have some regard for your safety!" And they bicker back and forth. But then Raf exploded in frustration and ran to a quieter corner. Jack and Miko immediately stopped fighting to comfort him. He was the first to reassure him that "it's ok". He barely knew Miko but he was willing to risk his own skin to save her. Not only that, but he was gentle with Raf too. He's responsible for his actions and obviously cares for those around him.

Not to mention, Jack jumped to action to save Raf from the vehicon later in the same episode. Miko covered her eyes to prevent looking at Raf getting blasted. But you could see the moment determination set onto Jack's face. He was set on saving Raf. Miko reached out to stop him, but you can tell by the way he blurred when he leapt to push Raf out of the blast that he had quite literally leapt out of their hiding spot.

At the end of the episode, Jack left the Autobots and Miko tried to convince him to return. He said something that struck me - "I've been raised to be responsible - to my schoolwork, to my mum, my job." Miko later said "Stop trying to pretend to be normal, Jack. You'll never fit in. You were born to do so much more." He didn't even look at her before replying, "Thanks, Miko. But I think normal suits me fine."

Jack's the responsible leader of the trio - and it's painstakingly obvious his upbringing had a huge influence on him. He probably felt largely responsible for what's happening to them. Arcee wouldn't have had to break cover with him nearby if he hadn't been sitting on her, and if that high pace car chase hadn't ensued, Raf would've been kept out of the whole ordeal. Miko joined the gang because Arcee went looking for Jack at school the next day and accidentally spotted them. His personality is all about taking responsibility for his actions, and that extends even beyond his own actions - he chased after Miko time and time again when she runs off for a peek into robot adventure. He keeps an eye out for Raf, too. He's the youngest and isn't as fast as him or Miko.

Episode 4 and 5 is a treasure trove of insight onto Jack's character. Now I can understand better why Optimus elected him to go to Cybertron. Rewatching it sheds light on moments I hadn't noticed the first time round. And this is only in the first 2 episodes - there was more, but I'll be here for another hour or two. To be frank, I'm excited to rewatch TFP now. I can't wait to see more moments of Jack I didn't notice the first time.