While Spike and Faye may be the firstCowboy Bebopcharacters who fans and followers think of as being central to the iconic cult series,Jet Blackis the story’s most important character. Outside being the ship’s captain and the crew’s general manager, his presence drives the plot. Indeed – as one episode reveals – Black is also the character who tends to save his crewmates from their most extreme selves.
Like any good film noir lawman, Jet Black was once a true-blue police officer, “protecting and serving” society’s most vulnerable. However, upon discovering the rampant corruption in his department, Black eventually becomes disillusioned with the life of a police officer and ultimately gives it up to become a bounty hunter. While bounty hunting freed Black from the rigid codes of professional responsibility he once upheld, his sense of justice, fairness, and loyalty never wavered — and arguably grew even stronger in his new role.
This Episode Showed How Important Jet’s Role Is as the “Adult” in the Crew
cowboy bebop
Although not a direct representation of film noir,Cowboy Bebopcertainly exudes heavy film noir undertones, featuring a morally ambiguous anti-hero like Spike, a seductive yet perilousfemme fatale like Faye, and a hard-boiled lawman like Jet Black. Of course,Cowboy Beboptweaks these roles to suit its unique mix of genres, themes, and styles; the basic substructure for each is present.
The essence of Jet Black’s characteris nowhere more evident than inEpisode #23, “Brain Scratch.“In this episode, the government issues a substantial bounty for Dr. Londes, the leader of the SCRATCH cult, who has deceived followers into taking their own lives with the promise of rebirth on the internet. Faye chooses to pursue the bounty on her own but is swiftly overpowered by Londes. When Faye fails to return, Spike and Jet Black investigate her disappearance.
Spike, however, decides to follow Faye into the cult, despite Black’s warning that he’s likely to fall under Londes' control as well. When Spike also goes missing, Black — with Ed and Ein’s help — hacks into the computer game Londes is using to manipulate the minds of his followers. This allows Black to figure out how to shut down Londes remotely, without risking Londes taking control of his own mind. On the one hand,the episode illustrates how impulsive Faye and Spike tend to beand how that element of their personalities tends to put them – and the team – in peril at a moment’s notice.
More important, however, is how the episode showcasesthe importance of Jet Black as the “adult in the room”, always making sure that the ‘kids” are doing the right thing. The episode confirms how Black anchors the crew by providing stability and the voice of reason. Indeed, Faye had already been put under Londes’ spell and Spike’s resistance to Londes' control was almost broken when Black and Ed were able to say the day.
Jet Black Is The Tough As Nails Lawman With A Heart Of Gold
He’s A Bounty Hunter Who Focuses On Bringing The Worst Offenders In
Jet Black’s significance to the storyis evident in the various themes running throughout the series. His focus on the business side of bounty hunting largely gives Spike, Faye, Ed, and even Ein a semblance of normalcy. Without the structure Black provides for the bounty-hunting business, it’s doubtful his crewmates could prevent themselves from being consumed by their personal demons and chaotic pasts. In short, Black offers a platform that both challenges and motivates his crewmates, while also driving the plot forward.
Beyond being central to his crewmates' sense of purpose, Jet Black is also crucial to the operational success of the Bebop galactic bounty hunter service. He handles the essential but mundane tasks that keep the business afloat, including researching bounty leads and gathering vital information to determine whether a bounty is worth pursuing. This research also helps identify potential challenges for Spike and Faye to prepare for during missions. Additionally, Black oversees mission planning, coordinates communications, manages resources, and most critically, collects and distributes bounties.
Given the eccentricities and personalities of the other crew members,Black’s presence is the linchpin that prevents the bounty-hunting business from descending into chaos. Lastly, Jet is responsible for fostering a “family-like” environment where the crew can bond, feel safe, and truly relax. Given their personalities, Black’s creation of this safe space is crucial for their growth.
Though they may irritate each other and bicker — much like any family — they know they can count on one another when it matters most. This sense of security starts and ends withBlackand his tough-love yet consistently supportive management style that makes himCowboy Bebop’s best character.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 animated series set in 2071, where humanity has colonized the Solar System following a catastrophic event. As crime surges, bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” are employed by the Inter Solar System Police to capture criminals in exchange for rewards.
