Fire Country Finally Pays Off Its Original Villain After 3 Years

With environmental calamities being at the center of Fire Country , the firefighting drama has had little time for villains, but one character’s behavior in season 3 hints at their story finally delivering the villainous turn that was promised in season 1. Fire Country’s focus on Bode’s journey from inmate to inmate firefighter to freedom made it so that the biggest struggles the firefighting drama put a spotlight on were those of the inmate firefighters. However, this didn’t stop some characters from being delineated as villains, such as Sleeper in Fire Country season 1, even if his arc didn’t last long.

Other characters were at times viewed as villainous for their debatable choices, such as Luke Leone after he tried to kiss Sharon or to close down Three Rock. The rise of Oxalta to villain in Fire Country season 3 was the first of its kind, as it was focused on over several episodes in varying degrees, with the firefighting drama slowly building up the conflict ahead of a future showdown likely involving many of Fire Country’s central characters. However, another character’s change in behavior also quietly hints at them taking over an adversarial role in relation to the Leones.

Jake's Hopes & Conduct In Fire Country Revive His Villain Role

Jake Knowingly Went Against Sharon's Orders

Jake’s restlessness became easily noticeable the moment he caught Vince telling Bode that leading Station 42 was his future. His sense of dissatisfaction grew, to the point he finally asked Vince whether there was a chance of career progression at Station 42 for him in Fire Country season 3, episode 16. However, Jake’s behavior in season 3, episode 17 went even further, refusing to follow the chain of command and going ahead with Bode’s plan despite Sharon’s order to return. With Fire Country season 3, episode 18’s trailer showing Jake giving his notice, it’s doubtless his discontent reached new peaks.

Antagonizing Vince and Sharon Leone at key moments in their lives – Vince coming to terms with Walter’s illness and his difficult relationship with his father, Sharon having to face Oxalta and Bode’s refusal to go along with the deal – leaves no doubt about Jake’s shift from hero to antagonist. This could come as a surprise given Jake’s supportive role throughout Fire Country, but in season 1, his role was more antagonistic, given how he hid his relationship with Riley from everyone and had taken over Bode’s role in Edgewater, to the point Vince and Sharon treated him like a son.

What Jake's New Attitude Means For The Leones' Future In Fire Country

The Leones Have 1 Less Firefighter & Family Member To Rely On

Even when Jake felt left out by the Leone family dynamics in Fire Country season 3, he didn’t fail to show up for Vince and Sharon, being there on the Leone fishing trip and asking how he could help them when they were coming to terms with Walter’s diagnosis. It’s unclear whether seeing Bode being hailed as the heir to Station 42 pushed Jake to focus on his career and forget his close bonds with the Leones, but Fire Country season 3 highlighted at times how having Bode as part of Station 42 led Sharon and Vince to neglect Jake.

Jake’s decision to focus on himself and disregard his history with the Leones leaves them without someone who they considered a member of their family at the moment they need family the most. Between Walter’s declining health and Oxalta being ready to fight, Vince and Sharon will have much to face in what’s left of Fire Country season 3, making this the worst possible moment for Jake to put himself first. Simultaneously, this can finally lead Vince and Sharon to think back to the times they took Jake for granted in Fire Country, which can hopefully lead to their reconciliation.

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