The Aftermath: What Happened to Jax After Stein’s Death?
The death of Dr. Martin Stein during the Earth-X invasion was a pivotal moment in the lives of the Legends of Tomorrow, and it profoundly impacted Jefferson “Jax” Jackson. The immediate consequence was the severing of the Firestorm Matrix, a connection that had defined much of Jax’s journey with the team. This event not only stripped Jax of his powers but also sent him on a personal journey of grief, self-discovery, and eventual return, marking a significant change for his character. In short, after Stein’s death, Jax left the Legends, lost his powers, took a hiatus, started a family, and eventually made a return in later episodes of the series.
The Immediate Impact of Stein’s Death on Jax
The bond between Jax and Stein was complex. Beyond the physical merging into Firestorm, they shared a deep connection. After Stein’s tragic death, Jefferson lost his Firestorm powers. The psychic link that allowed him to hear Stein’s voice in his head was also severed. He had to learn to cope with the void left by Stein’s absence, a process exacerbated by the fact that their shared powers were not just a superhero ability, but a constant reminder of their partnership. This dramatic loss was not just about power but about the loss of a mentor, a friend, and someone he was intrinsically linked to. Jax initially struggled to process the emotional turmoil, leading him to take a leave of absence from the Legends, a departure that was given the blessing of his teammates.
Leaving the Legends and Finding a New Path
The Legends of Tomorrow, after the traumatic Earth-X events, faced the challenge of adjusting to a team without Firestorm. Jax’s departure highlighted the deeply personal nature of the team dynamic and the lasting consequences of loss. While he was initially devastated, Jax did not completely withdraw from the world. He wasn’t written off the show immediately, and he did return, albeit temporarily. After his departure, Jax took time to heal and rediscover his life beyond being Firestorm. He focused on himself, taking a much-needed break from the adventures and intense situations that defined the Legends. This time away allowed him to rebuild a sense of normalcy, free from the constant danger he was accustomed to.
Five Years Later: Marriage and Fatherhood
Five years after his departure from the Legends, Jax had moved on, building a new life for himself. He married his high school sweetheart, Alanna Jackson, and together they had a daughter, Martina, named in honor of the late Dr. Martin Stein. This period of his life demonstrates the potential for healing and growth even after significant loss. This chapter of his life was less about superheroics and more about domestic happiness, emphasizing a character arc of personal fulfillment and stability. Jax found a path forward after his loss.
Returning to Legends of Tomorrow
Despite moving on, Jax wasn’t completely finished with the Legends. He returned to the show in the season 3 finale, marking his official comeback. Later, he made another appearance during the 100th episode of the series, showcasing his importance to the story despite not being a constant fixture. This demonstrates that the bond with the team never entirely disappeared and they valued his presence and his past with them.
Firestorm’s Legacy After Stein
Although Jax lost his ability to become Firestorm, the character’s legacy lived on, even if it was short lived. The concept of Firestorm being a fusion of two individuals was crucial to the storytelling, and even after Stein’s death, Firestorm’s existence was briefly explored through Valentina Vostok, who temporarily merged with an unwilling Stein during his time travel adventures. However, the Firestorm Matrix was rendered inactive when Stein died, permanently severing his connection to Jax. This emphasized that the Firestorm entity was dependent upon the specific pairing of individuals. This also demonstrates how delicate the fusion process was, emphasizing that it was unique to Stein and Jax. The serum used to separate the two after Stein’s death ultimately marked the end of the Firestorm entity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jax After Stein
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that address further details about Jax’s journey and the aftermath of Stein’s death:
1. Did Jax ever regain his Firestorm powers?
No, Jax never regained his ability to become Firestorm after Stein’s death. The Firestorm Matrix was rendered inactive with Stein’s demise, and while other temporary merges occurred, none were long-term or involved Jax.
2. What was the significance of naming his daughter Martina?
Naming his daughter Martina was a heartfelt tribute to Martin Stein. It was a way for Jax to honor his mentor and friend, keeping his memory alive.
3. How did Jax cope with the loss of the psychic connection with Stein?
Jax struggled to cope with the silence left by the severing of the psychic connection. He initially experienced grief and a sense of being incomplete. However, he slowly learned to adapt to life without that constant presence.
4. Why did Jax leave the Legends of Tomorrow initially?
Jax left because of the immense grief and trauma he experienced after Stein’s death. He needed to take time to heal and rediscover himself outside of the superhero world. His departure was also a way to resolve the immediate aftermath of Firestorm’s dissolution.
5. Did Jax become another hero after leaving the Legends?
While Jax briefly became Captain Cold in an alternate timeline, he did not permanently take on another superhero identity. His focus was on building a normal life.
6. What was Jax’s relationship with the Legends after his return?
Upon returning, Jax maintained a positive relationship with the Legends. He was a valued member of the team despite his absence, and they showed support and respect for his personal growth.
7. How did the show address the practical implications of Firestorm’s absence?
The show addressed the practical implications of Firestorm’s absence by emphasizing the team’s flexibility and adaptability. They learned to rely on other powers and strategies, showing their ability to overcome challenges without Firestorm.
8. Did the show ever address the potential for another Firestorm partnership for Jax?
The show did not explore any serious attempts to create a new Firestorm partnership for Jax. The focus shifted to his personal journey and his life after the death of his original partner, Stein.
9. Was Jax involved in any crossovers after leaving the show?
Yes, Jax returned in later seasons for specific episodes, and also made an appearance during the 100th episode special. These crossovers showcased the continuing importance of his character within the larger Arrowverse.
10. What is Jax’s relationship to the ‘Jax’ in Sons of Anarchy?
This is a common point of confusion. Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy is a completely different character and show, and has no relation to Jax in Legends of Tomorrow.
11. Did Jax ever use his powers in a limited way after Stein’s death?
No, once the Firestorm Matrix was rendered inactive, Jax did not exhibit any residual powers. His connection to Firestorm was completely severed with the passing of Dr. Martin Stein.
12. What was the emotional significance of Jax’s return in Season 3?
Jax’s return in Season 3 was emotionally significant as it demonstrated the team’s enduring bonds, and allowed for closure surrounding the loss of both Firestorm and Stein.
13. Why couldn’t Firestorm’s powers be replicated or transferred?
The unique bonding process between Stein and Jax was not something that could be easily replicated or transferred. This is because it required a specific fusion of individuals, making it a distinctive and complex phenomenon.
14. Why did Firestorm’s story need to have this dramatic ending?
Firestorm’s dramatic ending served to emphasize that loss is a central part of life. It also allowed Jax to undergo significant personal development. The story explored how characters adapt to change.
15. What is the significance of Firestorm being a fusion of two individuals?
The fusion of two individuals is a crucial part of the Firestorm concept, it highlights the importance of teamwork and the idea that some partnerships are more powerful together. This also shows the significance of relationships in the universe of the show.