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Émile Durkheim

Jet Black

Jet Black
Japanese Name:ジェット・ブラック (Jetto Burakku)
Role:Bounty Hunter, Captain of theBebop
Age:Mid-30s to early 40s (varies throughout the series)

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Appearance

Jet is a tall, muscular man with a sturdy build, befitting his background as a former ISSP (Inter-Solar System Police) officer. He has a rugged, square-jawed face with a thick beard and mustache, and his most distinguishing feature is his cybernetic left arm, a replacement after he lost his original in the line of duty. Jet is often seen wearing utilitarian clothing—a blue jumpsuit and combat boots—reflecting his practical and no-nonsense attitude. His imposing physique contrasts with his calm and introspective demeanor.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

With a heavy sigh and a look of weary disinterest, Jet Black’s bored face reflects the long stretches of downtime between missions, a stark contrast to the chaos of life as a bounty hunter.

Personality

Jet is the “father figure” of the Bebop crew, often serving as the level-headed and rational one, in contrast to Spike’s recklessness and Faye’s unpredictability. Despite his tough exterior, Jet is thoughtful, patient, and deeply caring toward his friends, though he hides his emotions behind his gruff persona. His strong sense of justice, a remnant of his days as a cop, often drives him to seek balance and fairness, making him a reliable and stable presence on the Bebop. He is also a sentimental man, reflected in his love for cooking, gardening, and jazz music, which offers him moments of solace.

Background and Story

Jet Black once served as an officer in the ISSP, where he earned the nickname “Black Dog” due to his tenacity and determination—once he latched onto a case, he never let go. During his time in the ISSP, he partnered with Fad, another cop, until an incident in the mid-2060s led to Jet losing his left arm during an investigation. He replaced his lost limb with a cybernetic arm but left the ISSP after becoming disillusioned with its corruption and bureaucracy.

After leaving the force, Jet became a bounty hunter and captained the Bebop, a converted fishing ship that would become home to his crew of fellow bounty hunters: Spike Spiegel, Faye Valentine, Edward, and Ein. Jet acts as the glue that holds the crew together, balancing the dynamics of their conflicting personalities. Despite his hardened appearance, Jet is haunted by the failures of his past—particularly the end of his relationship with his former lover, Alisa, and his inability to prevent corruption within the ISSP.

Key Rivalries and Relationships

Spike Spiegel

Jet and Spike share a close bond, almost like brothers, though their personalities often clash. Jet acts as a stabilizing force for Spike, providing guidance and wisdom. Despite their arguments, Jet deeply respects and cares for Spike, even if he doesn’t always agree with his actions.

Faye Valentine

Though their relationship starts off rocky, with Faye often acting impulsively and selfishly, Jet grows to care for her like a younger sibling. He offers her a place on the Bebop despite her troublesome nature, hoping to provide her with stability.

Edward

Jet’s paternal nature is evident in his relationship with Edward, the crew’s eccentric young hacker. Though her quirks often confuse him, he allows her to stay on the Bebop, becoming something of a father figure to her.

Alisa

Jet’s former lover, Alisa, represents one of his greatest regrets. Their relationship ended when Jet became too controlling, and Alisa left him to seek her own freedom. This loss continues to haunt Jet, as he struggles to let go of the past.

Fighting Skills and Abilities

Jet is a highly skilled fighter, capable of handling himself in both hand-to-hand combat and firearms. His experience as a former cop gives him a tactical edge, and his cybernetic arm enhances his strength, allowing him to overpower opponents. Jet’s combat style is more grounded and deliberate than Spike’s, relying on strength and strategy rather than agility. In addition to his fighting prowess, Jet is an excellent pilot, frequently piloting the Bebop and acting as the crew’s mechanic, maintaining their ship and equipment.

Key Moments and Story Arcs

  • Loss of His Arm:Jet’s cybernetic arm is a constant reminder of his past and the betrayal he experienced within the ISSP. His injury during an investigation, coupled with the corruption he uncovered, led to his decision to leave the force and pursue bounty hunting, marking a significant turning point in his life.
  • Return to Ganymede:In one of the more emotional arcs, Jet returns to Ganymede, his home planet, where he confronts his former lover, Alisa. Their reunion forces Jet to face his lingering feelings of regret and loss, as he realizes he must let go of the past to move forward.
  • Leadership of theBebop:Throughout the series, Jet acts as the de facto leader of theBebopcrew. He coordinates missions, maintains the ship, and mediates conflicts between crew members, all while continuing his own personal journey of self-reflection.

Trivia

Trivia:
★ Jet’s love for jazz and blues music is a recurring theme throughout the series, reflecting his introspective and melancholic nature.
★ Despite his gruff demeanor, Jet enjoys cooking for the crew, often seen preparing meals in theBebop’skitchen.
★ His nickname, “Black Dog,” signifies his relentless nature, both in his ISSP days and as a bounty hunter.
★ Jet’s fatherly role within the crew highlights the series’ underlying theme of found family, as he provides stability and care for the other members.