Jackie is one of the most intriguing characters in Netflix’s Running Point.
As the half-brother of Isla Gordon and the other Gordon siblings, his introduction to the show brings an unexpected twist to the family dynamic of the Los Angeles Waves, the basketball team owned by the Gordons.
Over the course of the season, he transforms from an outsider yearning for familial recognition to a competent and integral part of the organization.
Overview
Jackie’s Introduction and Family Dynamics
Jackie is initially introduced as an employee of the Waves, seemingly unremarkable at first.
However, as the episode progresses, it is dramatically revealed that he is the illegitimate son of the team’s owner, making him the half-brother of Isla, Cam, Ness, and Sandy Gordon.
His emergence adds a new layer of complexity to an already dysfunctional family.
His admiration for Isla is evident, as he acknowledges her work and makes awkward jokes in an attempt to bond.
Desire for Acceptance
Jackie’s desire for family acceptance becomes more pronounced.
While he sees the Gordons as his family, they primarily want him to remain silent about his parentage.
This theme of exclusion plays a critical role in shaping his motivations throughout the season.
The brothers, particularly Sandy, view his existence as a disruption.
Meanwhile, Isla, despite her own struggles with being side-lined in her family, is the only one who shows empathy toward Jackie.
During a significant conversation about finding other work, Jackie shares how he finds joy in small things, such as getting to eat unclaimed food orders.
His genuine appreciation for simple pleasures contrasts sharply with the Gordons’ wealth and privilege.
Isla, deeply moved, decides to get to know him better, marking the beginning of a meaningful bond between them.
Jackie’s Growth and Struggles in the Waves Organization
Jackie officially joins the Waves as Isla’s assistant.
This shift in position grants him greater proximity to the family business, though he remains an outsider in many respects.
Ali, Isla’s best friend, offers to mentor Jackie, teaching him how to navigate the world of the wealthy and powerful, even though she herself does not come from privilege.
This mentorship gives Jackie the tools he needs to adapt to his new environment.
Jackie starts to excel in his job, proving his competence within the organization.
However, his relationships with the Gordons remain tenuous.
Sandy, in particular, continues to see Jackie as an outsider and a threat to his place within the family.
In contrast, Ness begins to act as a supportive older brother figure to Jackie, providing him with much-needed guidance and validation.
Jackie demonstrates his creativity and initiative by inviting a halftime show performer to enhance fan engagement.
His success in this endeavour showcases his growing confidence and ability to contribute meaningfully to the team.
This moment marks a turning point where his presence in the organization is no longer questioned solely due to his lineage; instead, his skills and ideas begin to earn him respect.
Jackie’s Romantic Arc and Personal Struggles
Jackie’s newfound confidence extends to his personal life, as he goes on a date with Sofie, the Waves’ lead dancer.
Their chemistry is undeniable, and their connection appears promising.
However, in the very next scene, he engages in a meaningless hookup with another woman.
This pattern suggests that the attention he is receiving—perhaps for the first time in his life—is overwhelming, leading him to make impulsive choices that ultimately result in personal setbacks.
His reckless behaviour catches up to him when he contracts chlamydia.
This misstep creates further complications when it is revealed that he may have transmitted it to the daughter of Stephen Ramirez, the Chairman of the Board of the Waves.
This incident threatens his position in the organization, with Stephen demanding that he be fired.
Despite his previous progress, Jackie’s insecurities and self-destructive tendencies once again place him in a precarious position.
Luckily, he has a close call and is saved by Isla and the family doctor.
Relationship with His Siblings
Jackie’s relationship with Ness continues to develop, with Ness stepping into a quasi-mentor role.
Unlike Sandy, who actively resists Jackie’s presence, Ness provides guidance and a sense of belonging.
However, his interactions with Sandy remain fraught with tension.
In an effort to mend fences with Sandy, he orchestrates a grand romantic gesture for him to win back his boyfriend, Charlie.
Drawing inspiration from Love Story by Taylor Swift, he helps Sandy craft a dramatic and heartfelt moment at the playoffs, which ultimately leads to a reconciliation between Sandy and Charlie.
This act of kindness illustrates his deep yearning for connection and his desire to bring people together, even as he struggles with his own place in the family.
Despite this, Sandy does not include his as a family member, rather thanks him from a distance.
Jackie’s Emotional Climax
When Jackie asks for time off, his request is outright rejected without consideration, reinforcing his feelings of being unwanted and undervalued within the family.
He reaches his emotional breaking point. Feeling increasingly isolated, he disappears without informing his siblings, confiding only in Sofie.
His vanishing act prompts the Gordon siblings to search for him, leading to a heartfelt conversation about their respective relationships with their mothers.
This moment serves as one of the most emotionally raw and vulnerable interactions between him and his half-siblings, solidifying his place within the family in a way that words and formal recognition never could.
In the final scenes of the season, his personal and professional arcs remain open-ended.
While he has made significant strides in establishing himself within the Waves organization, his future remains uncertain.
In Conclusion
Jackie’s character journey in Running Point: Season 1 is one of identity, belonging, and personal growth.
Introduced as an outsider with an uncertain place in the Gordon family, he gradually proves himself through his dedication, creativity, and resilience.
His relationships—particularly with Isla and Ness—highlight his capacity for loyalty and his desire to be seen and accepted.
However, his impulsivity and insecurities often lead to self-sabotage, making his arc all the more compelling.
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