Why JJpope is not a one-sided ship (and why i hate the narrative that it is)
So most people agree that JJ is the one explicitly pining after Pope (and that he is possibly aware of his own feelings). But that often comes with the idea that, Pope does not at all reciprocate those feelings. I hate this, mostly just because it makes me sad. But also, because it requires brushing off a lot of the smaller actions Pope takes. Also it feels like a misunderstanding of Pope and just a way of ignoring his feelings all together even though he is 50% of the ship. He isnāt overly confident in himself and his dynamic with those he sees romantic intention (kie for example).
(I will be including S2 spoilers! So please do not read if you have not finished S2 of OBX)
Lets start with season 1. That included many scenes of JJ truly going the extra mile for Pope (encouraging him to get back at Rafe and Topper, taking the fall for that very thing). The narrative didnāt really give space for Pope to do the same in return, but did show us times between them that solidify firstly their friendship, and then the additional romantic aspect.
He isnāt necessarily opposed to JJās close contact nor does he not reciprocate it. In episode 1 when JJ presses his gun to Popeās lips as he moves away his hand lingers on JJās back. Iām just saying. For the record, JJ is physically affectionate with JB too but it is far more intimate with Pope hence i make this point.
When JJ and Pope are waiting outside the lighthouse for John B and Kiara (see episode. 2) JJ tells Pope to shut up after he talks about how he needs to work on his scholarship essay. Now youād think thatād be the end and Pope would do just that, but then later on as we cut back to the pair as JB and Kie are running away they were playing catch together. Small and sweet and slightly humouring as to what conversation had to have gone on.
Additionally, in that same scene the pair run off despite Pope in the first episode declaring to Kie that you āNever leave a Pogue behindā (Iām paraphrasing). Once again small and sweet but I am just saying the person that changes Popeās action is JJ. Now you could argue that it is just because the police were closer to them at the time and JB and Kie were already running but I think they saw the police before they saw their friends.
I think itās the end of episode 2 where we see Pope and JJ just hanging out together. This just solidifies their relationship for me.
When Pope sees JJ at homecoming and hugs him back. Yeah. He even goes as far as to tell JJ heāll take the blame and admit the truth. I know some of you are going to diminish that act, but as JJ has always said, Pope had a lot to lose at the time. (This is not me implying JJ doesnāt have anything to lose and it makes me sad that thatās how he perceives himself because he doesnāt realise heād lose the pogues and theyād lose him etc).
Now Iām going to move onto season 2 which holdsā¦ much more definitive proof. Please if anyone asks my opinion on S2 I will cry- I have no words at present.
Pope and Kiaraās relationship. Just a back and forth. Pope would move one step, Kiara declines. Kiara moves one step, Pope declines. It was a bit of a mess and the one time they did end up succeeding it was, well we saw how the morning after went. Awkward tension everywhere! Now of course this was also due to Kiaraās struggle with comphet which is a whole other thing to get into. The struggle for Pope in this relationship isnāt necessarily due to JJās influence, but it was very interesting to observe at the start of the season and Iām probably going to need a rewatch.
Pope looking at JJ in the car and then looking away when JJ turned with music in the back (you know what scene Iām talking about). Almost as if he caught himself doing something he shouldnāt have.
Episode 4. What else do i say? Pope snaking into JJās neck in the hot tub? There was no context for this! No truth or dare, just them drunk and high and that. In front of all of them too? This scene in particular feels like queerbait. But anyway, we know that Pope not sober tends to be more honest and daring. Last season he confessed to Kie, this season- this? I feel like we should take notice. It means something right? Additionally him and JJās little wrestling match. If without the hot tub scene we could have assumed it a more ābroā scene but yeah no I donāt know what else you want me to say. Pope was being honest, craving JJās touch? Probably experiencing it lesser so due to extended hangout with Kie. (Iām just spitballing now but just remember- when Pope is not sober he has the confidence to do things he would not normally).
Pope hanging out with JJ at the bonfire. Last season showed us they both interact with others? And JB was exonerated at this point they had no need to avoid people. Anyway. Just saying.
Iām going to be honest Iām back at that episode 4 scene why did Pope do that? There was no context. Theyāre just partying and boom! Pope in the crook of JJās neck like it was a fanfic okay. We never mention it again either? The Pogues were watching them implying normalcy in the act of JJpope sharing space like that? (Also I know some are saying itās a neck kiss and if it is I really cannot tell).
I think more of Popeās perspective is very much obliviousness. The hot tub scene solidifies my theory in that. Pope has a lot of fears, the whole period of time he was with Kie contained anxiety in what they were doing. Iām trying to think back to their relationship and itās weird because they pose the narrative as āPope doesnāt do a lot if intimate stuff with Kie because he doesnāt know how or heās afraid toā but in the beginning it felt more as if he just didnāt want to.
Iām going to be honest there was a lot of fighting this season and the overall tone made me somewhat sad. Praying S3 does better. Slow burn is better anywayšš
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