TJ is not manipulating anyone he was the prey of a probable attempt of murder by probably Jamie, and if not he was still a victim of an accident that reminded him his past trauma of loosing his entire family. He didn't call Ian himself actually he tempted to stay away from him for the entire break up, Ian was the one who was waiting for his call. Also Ian is not in the wrong here, I mean between a mere christmass party with a man he met few months ago and two bad news : the death of a former friend, and the accident of the man who represents everything in his life, the choice is quick to make, everybody would do the same in real life.
It's astonishing how people can't understand that there are priorities and level of gravity. Jo is again sad, I am sorry for him, but Ian will explain to him the situation and he will overcome, he is not a little child, he could understand much more than this, he is empathetic and intelligent. Also he knows that Ian is, since the begining swinging, he chose to accept that.
@L'Arlequine I agree with you but from the comments the issue isn't Ian explaining to Jo what happened but how much time will the pattern repeat itself. Already we have seen Ian get close to Jo, TJ calls, Ian disappears, Jo is sad, Ian apologizes vaguely and Jo forgives. What we're worried about is how many times this is gonna happen. This time TJ was in an accident so it's excused but it doesn't change the fact he dashed all the way over there when he was literally at Jo's door.
Like you said Jo is emphatic and understanding and while those are strengths they are weaknesses as well because people take advantage of it and you get hurt cause you put there needs first. And that's Jo's whole personality there.
@Snowflake Yes you are perfectly right and tbh even if I am not shipping anymore Ian and Jo I felt sad for him (again). I think it is the right moment and opportunity for them to talk seriously about TJ (who he is in Ian past and present and therefore who is Jo to Ian at the moment) and what they want for real in their relationship. Jo will question Ian about what happened and he probably (I hope) tell him he truth, and it's at that moment that Jo could ask him what he really wants and feels for him. I think season 2 will be the season of honesty for all the characters but especially for Ian that wants also talk seriously to TJ, about their relationship and get over the misunderstandings and dishonesty of their previous fights. Ian will have to be courageous and honest to himself but also to others. He will grow up but as well Jo and TJ. Of course it will be a lot of drama and dangerous plot, but it will be very interesting.
@L'Arlequine Yeah I agree. Overall I think this is the first story I've read where the readers are picking sides. It's annoying but funny because it shows just how good the story is. And we can have these discussions cause the reality is very realistic and complex. I really can't wait for season 2 but if I don't see some serious communication and honesty with these characters I might drop it cause angst isn't really my thing. I'm also not a fan of love triangles.
@Snowflake I just really doubt how constructive this "conversation" will be. Ian can probably talk/listen, hes shown the abillity to with Jo, but I wonder if Tj has this abillity? It's shown that Tj refuses to listen to Ian or communicate. Also what bothers me is why does Ian shoulder so much responsibillity for the relationship?? Ian has to break the toxic cycle they are in, Ian has to "stop avoiding conflict", Ian is responsible for Tjs behaviour, like?? Ian has to realise that a relationship consists of two people and he isn't/can't be responsible for all of these things and more 😭 Tj is just as, if not more, responsible for the state of their relationship. Ian lives with so much guilt it's just nauseating, I feel bad for him. Also he has to realise that he can't give up his whole life just to take care of Tj, cuz that's what hes doing, hes taking care of Tj just like he took care of his mother. And Tj keeps shouldering Ian with his emotions, making Ian responsible for handling them e.g. the drug scene, when ian realised hes become a monster, when Ian confronted Tj about Jos hand etc. And it's always in moments when Ian himself his shouldering SO MUCH, who takes care of Ians emotions?? Argh I just hate their relationship and Ian deserves something good in his life for once and he deserves change, hes been standing in the same place for tooo long.
