You were either Team Edward or Team Jacob back when the Twilight saga’s books first enchanted fans and the series hit the big screen. It was an easy choice for many who preferred the muscular and dark-haired Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) over the slim and golden-haired Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson).
It also meant you were either team werewolf or team vampire. The relationship between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Jacob had many at a standstill. Jacob was her childhood friend who became a vital part of her life when she moved to Forks. He was there for her when she needed him, but he didn’t always have her best intentions at heart. Let’s take a look at when Jacob was a good friend and when he screwed up the most.
Bad: Didn’t Tell Her About Being A Wolf
In New Moon, fans understood Bella’s inherent anger towards Jacob when he didn’t tell her about being a wolf, especially when Jacob cut ties with her out of the blue and refused to speak to her. This was when Bella was the most vulnerable in her relationship with Edward.
Bella’s anger is justified, as Jacob didn’t have to worry about her keeping his secret. Jacob knew that out of everyone that would understand, it would be Bella. She knew about the existence of wolves due to the Quileute legends and was already exposed to vampires.
Good: Helped Her Forget Edward
Jacob was stuck in the crosshairs of Bella’s relationship with Edward. Despite his feelings for Bella, he was always there for her. This leads to the moment when Edward decides to break up with her in the second film. Bella is so distraught that she goes into a depressed state.
Luckily, Jacob comes to the rescue and is the only one who can make her feel happy again. He decides to bring Bella back into his life and help her cope with losing Edward — even if it means building a motorcycle in his shed.
Bad: Tries To Kiss Her When Vulnerable
Team Jacob fans felt bad for him when he was constantly rejected by Bella. But many would say that Jacob played the bad friend card when he forcibly kissed Bella in Eclipse. Jacob couldn’t let go of Bella’s desire to be with Edward.
Jacob laid down the “I’m in love with you” card with a lot of force in the kissing scene. Even after bombing Bella with his confession, he still tried to swoop in for a kiss. This leads to the comical scene of Bella “trying” to punch Jacob.
Good: Convinces The Pack To Protect Bella
Even though the pack was meant to fight vampires who trespassed on their territory, if not for Jacob, they wouldn’t be as involved with the Cullen family and Bella. Jacob is often the middleman as to why the pack helps the Cullens fight off any threat to Bella’s life.
Bad: Told Edward Bella Had Died
This was a low blow even for Jacob. When Jacob saved Bella from drowning, Alice (Ashley Greene) assumed she was dead. The news got to Edward who called the Swan residence to check up on her. Sadly, Jacob answered the phone. He tells Edward that Charlie (Billy Burke) is preparing for a funeral.
Good: Told His Secret To Charlie
This was a small moment in the last film, but it displays Jacob’s thoughtful, maybe selfish, thinking towards Bella. Charlie was under the impression that Bella was suffering from a life-threatening virus from her honeymoon. In reality, she was having a baby and later turned vampire.
Good: A Shoulder To Cry On, Always
Jacob is always Bella’s shoulder to cry on when her and Edward’s relationship doesn’t go as planned. It made some fans upset about how Jacob’s emotions were always played. Regardless, Jacob was at her side, no matter what. He was there in New Moon during the breakup.
He still went to her wedding to see her. Above all, he was always there, even if it meant joining forces with the Cullens. In Eclipse, Jacob considered not taking part in the fight, at Bella’s request. He even stayed by her side when she was freezing to death and later became pregnant.
