This is my take on Jiara and their arc as someone that just recently watched OBX in preparation for season 3.
This will be long but the funny thing about the shipping disclosures is that I get no one has to like the same things but understating why some people gravitated towards Jiara on season 1 isn’t that hard to get because the romantic implications were there. Yes, "they had like 3 alone scenes" but they also had a lot of layers even if the writers weren’t trying to go that road initially and it’s undeniable. There’s legitimate reasons to ship Jiara just as much as any pairing within the pogues, especially when it comes to Kiara because it was stablished every single one of the boys (that includes JJ) had a thing for her but only John B and Pope acted on it and therefore let to explorations of feelings Kie realized weren’t there for them.
I don’t think the OBX writers were necessary thinking "Jiara is never going to happen" and now just decided their relationship isn’t platonic but more so like getting them together wasn’t their initial plan when making season 1 but that doesn’t mean JJ’s feelings for Kie didn’t exist since the pilot. It was pretty obvious, it was told to the audience. The camera specifically captures certain looks and moments that hint at it. I would argue JJ’s feelings for Kie seemed a lot more settled in and intense than the rest. The show tells you he does find Kie attractive and has tried it before but "the door is locked." To me, season 1 JJ is more like "yes, I find Kie attractive and would totally want to date her but it seems impossible so why try and ruin it" type of mentality. He even seems joyful the John B and Kie situation didn’t work out.
As a screenwriter or editor point of view, it feels very intentional that they kept scenes such as "did you tell JJ?" because that implies Kie specifically cares what JJ thinks of John B making a move on her. It would’ve made more sense if she said Pope given they were thinking about going there romantically or even had her say "the boys" but they made her say JJ and JB made it about JJ. They chose that one take to be the one that gets into the show. The scene doesn’t serve any propose except establish she cares what JJ thinks. Maybe, while filming season 1 they realized the chemistry between the actors and included a lot more things in the shows editing process. Not a decision, but leaving that option open for the future seasons.
I could also argue the scene with JJ and Rafe ("tell Kiara she looks pretty hot for a pogue") served not propose unless they wanted to establish there’s a protectiveness that comes with Kiara specifically or you can also just say it’s a friend being protective of his female best friend but a lot of those things are choices. Focusing on JJ's reaction when Kie kisses John B’s cheek and later Pope is a choice. Again, not for any planned reason but to have that option.
JJ to me displayed so many signals of liking Kie so much more than he let on and that can be seen a lot on season 1, but to me season 2 was a lot more pointed in the fact it doesn’t feel like just a crush or physical attraction anymore but his feelings towards Kie are stronger than he thought. He went from being glad the thing with John B didn’t work to wanting her relationship with Pope to work. It’s almost as if he doesn’t think he’ll ever get to be with her so she might as well be happy with someone that's good for her. Again, having JJ always be the one to comment and add on Kie’s love life is a choice. For the first time we got something a lot more personal coming from him when it comes to Kie: "Why do you always take his side and never mine?" it shows is important to him if Kie values his opinions and has his back.
JJ uses humor to cover up his insecurities but this it's the first time he seriously vocalizes to Kie that he feels insecure when it comes to something she does and I think shows he is not getting a hold on his feelings as well as he did. The look he gave Kie after she kissed Pope's cheek is a choice especially when a scene prior he is the one encouraging her to take that opportunity with Pope. Having him say "everything good, you ruin" just after his dad was being mean to Kie – it’s a choice. Having him say "you’re it" especially to Kie and the camera making emphasis on it – it’s a choice. His face of wonder/surprise when she actually wanted to be part of his surfing trip. His face when he wakes up in the boat. He is seeing Kie weeping for him and it clicks on him how much she actually cares about him.
JJ having the same dream as Kie. On season 1 she told Pope she was to ride mountains and in general, feel free. That’s exactly what JJ wants.
To me, Kie and JJ share a very unique bond that feels different from the other guys. Yes, both won’t think twice about protecting those they love but there’s something undeniably and fiercely protective when it comes to each other. Their shared looks and unspoken conversations are also something they do a lot and I don’t know if it’s an actors choice but it could be.
I think it’s so weird when people slam creators for changing things up or playing with all the cards because you can do so much on paper but decide things while actually working on it. So many creators have changed their minds on things to explore dynamics between actors that are worth it on screen. I think it’s better when creators have an open mind to explore certain dynamics that they didn’t thought about long term because sometimes things turn out better than expected. Creators don’t have to set everything in stone the first season for things to be legitimate because things can change and I like when creators decide to give fans some things (as long as they keep their integrity and don’t sacrifice the story line to get it like so many creators I could name right now).
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