Out of Sight, Out of Mind
We know you were all probably hoping for another deep dive into Agatha, but it’s time we give some of our other favorites a little attention.
We chose to start with Jake Lockley, the most mysterious of Moon Knight’s chaotic crew. Since the show barely scratches the surface of his character, let’s take a closer look at some overlooked details that might shed a little light on who Jake is and where he fits in this dysFUNctional system.
The Moon Knight creators have pulled off a masterclass in layered visuals and precise symbolism, diving deep into the intricacies of its characters, especially through clever mirror work and reflections. A particularly noteworthy moment is in the final episode’s end credits, which gives a cheeky nod to Taxi Driver. The significance of these reflections is profound, yet they rarely sync up perfectly with the characters’ movements.
You’d think this would be a disaster, but given the show’s tight scripting and limited budget, every detail is intentional, with many subtleties flying under the radar of the unobservant viewer.
But lucky for you, I’ve sifted through the series like a diligent librarian hunting for overdue books, and I’ve identified many overlooked ones!
Let’s get started!
Use of Mirrors
First, we’ll dive into their amazing use of mirrors. What better way to explore the chaos of multiple identities than through a reflective surface? For example, the scene where Steven first enters the storage locker. As he opens the bag on the cot and begins to sort through its contents, the reflection in the mirror does not quite match his actions. This playful manipulation of reflections is not only entertaining but also serves a greater purpose. Particularly with the introduction of the third alter, Jake, it becomes a delightful puzzle for viewers.
A misinterpreted tweet has circulated regarding Jake’s presence, where the creator was asked to confirm if a character was Jake Lockley. The response was simply “No,” not as a denial of Jake’s existence, but rather a refusal to label the character. Any claim to the contrary is misleading.
Look me in the eyes and tell me this is Marc.
Fleeting Appearances
Jake appears only in fleeting mirror scenes, often looking noticeably angry; perhaps a reflection of his true nature or simply a case of “Resting Bitch Face.” His brief appearances are very important to note because he emerges only when Steven is in peril. Marc, being a capable fighter, can fend for himself; Steven, however, is not as equipped to handle danger.
Jake’s initial takeover occurs in Episode 3 when Marc is incapacitated by henchmen, leaving Steven vulnerable. Marc’s body is dragged out of sight, a clear indication that they intend to eliminate him quietly. Waking up in a fight, with no recollection of how one arrived in such a dire situation, must be disorienting. The necessity of self-defense becomes paramount, therefore Jake stepped in to ensure survival, using violence not out of malice but as a means of protection.
Interestingly, we can glimpse Jake in Episode 1, as Steven shifts into this alter. Marc’s incapacity (having knocked himself out after jumping through a window) leaves Steven and Jake to navigate the predicament. Steven, characterized as a magnet for danger, is aided by Jake, who actively intervenes to shield him from threats. Jake is the one pulling Steven’s hand away from danger, killing the cult members, and, fittingly, driving the getaway truck.
(His taxi-driving skills must come into play here.)
Jake’s actions are strategic; he does not linger in control. After navigating immediate danger, he often relinquishes control back to Steven. Like an older brother completing a video game boss fight before returning the controller. This dynamic suggests that Jake is motivated by a protective instinct, despite his reluctance to appear.
There’s another subtle moment that warrants attention: during a tense chase scene, a camera pan reveals the rearview mirror just as Steven laments his lack of a driver’s license. In that fleeting glance, a figure resembling Oscar Isaac appears, yet the positioning suggests it cannot be Steven. Each subsequent shot of the rearview mirror shows the face has vanished, leaving viewers to ponder the implications of such moments.
Steven hasn’t moved. Nothing is unintentional.
Oscar had to film many of these scenes twice for the reflections.
Shattered Reflections
Between those moments, several noteworthy scenes unfold, but let’s cut to one that stands out in Episode 2. In this scene, Marc and Steven engage in a heated argument in front of a pyramid-shaped mirror. The mirror is already shattered, reflecting three distinct faces, yet that’s not the focal point of this analysis.
After Marc’s explosive meltdown culminates in him smashing the glass, Steven abruptly vanishes from view. In that fleeting moment, we catch a glimpse of someone in the mirror looking absolutely pissed. Unlike Marc, who is visibly out of breath when the scene cuts back to him, this figure is simply glaring at Marc.
The show consistently avoids showing their own reflections; an intriguing choice that hints at the presence of another alter.
This brings us to Jake, the third alter, who appears to have taken an interest in the romantic pursuits of his counterparts. Notably, he is the one who asked the girl out, though it’s unclear whether he’s adopting a faux English accent or if she’s just completely oblivious to the situation. Earlier in the week, Steven confides in Crawley (the statue man) about his crush on this girl.
This raises questions about the dynamics between these characters: Is Crawley relaying information to Jake? Given that Marc is also aware of who Crawley is, it begs the question of whether Crawley is cognizant of all three alters and their shared identity. If not, it suggests a scenario where Jake is attentively listening to Steven ramble about his day and takes the initiative to secure a date with the girl he likes. Especially considering Marc’s prior missteps that jeopardized his relationship with Layla when he filed for divorce.
We should also take into account Steven’s propensity to fall asleep on the job, forcing one of the other two alters to step in to take over. This could explain why Steven is less than popular at work. One can easily envision Marc walking off in frustration, feeling he has better things to do, while Jake likely wouldn’t tolerate rude customers or nagging managers very graciously.
At the Asylum
Let’s dive into another scene, this time from Episode 4, set in the asylum.
During this episode, Marc catches a glimpse of his reflection in a wheelchair, and it’s undeniably Jake staring back at him. At this moment, Marc is searching for Steven, unaware of his whereabouts, which adds a layer of urgency to the situation. If you keep an eye out, you’ll spot Jake instead of Marc. His piercing, furious eyes are unmistakable. It’s evident that he has some resentment toward Marc.
In the asylum, each alter interacts with Dr. Harrow, showcasing respective responses of Flight, Fight, and Freeze, even if not in that precise order. Whenever the emotional weight becomes overwhelming, they transition from the asylum to Harrow’s office. This setup is interesting: the asylum represents their memories, the boat floats above, and Harrow’s office is situated below.
- The first instance of this transition occurs with Taweret, where both Marc and Steven display their fear, leading to Jake ending up in the chair.
- The second instance features Marc, who is confronted by Steven’s desire to return to the room.
- The third instance emerges when Steven seeks to escape the revelation that his mother has died and that his entire existence has been a lie.
In a manner reminiscent of how Steven attempted to lighten the mood with Marc, he injects humor into the situation, proving once again that laughter can serve as a balm in times of distress.
- When Marc faced Dr. Harrow for the second time, his responses followed Flight, Fight, then Freeze. He initially tries to flee, denying the reality of the situation and running away after biting the orderly. It’s also plausible to interpret his self-inflicted strikes just before this second interview as part of a fight response. Eventually, he freezes, staring vacantly into the glass of water in front of him.
- Jake’s turn comes next, and his response follows the pattern of Freeze, Flight, and then Fight. He first shuts down, refusing to cooperate with Harrow’s inquiries. When he opts to flee, he instinctively reaches for a weapon, prepared to defend himself if necessary. As he attempts to communicate to the staff that Harrow poses a deadly threat, he soon realizes his warnings are falling on deaf ears. This leads him to take a more aggressive stance, first trying to stab Harrow and then, in a moment of desperation, attempting to harm himself.
- Finally, we encounter Steven, whose responses oscillate between Fight, Flight, and finally Freeze. Remarkably, he begins with an aggressive act, throwing water at Dr. Harrow before he even fully comprehends the chaos unfolding around him. For once, he’s the one who awakens fighting. After briefly backing away from the chair, he scans the room, evading questions about what Marc has “lied” to him about. However, he stops when Harrow mentions his mother, warning that he’ll “freak out” if Harrow continues down that path. At that moment, Steven freezes, grappling with the painful truth that his mother has been dead all along, much like the phone line Harrow extends toward him. Accepting this truth allows him to revisit their memories and confront the funeral scene.
The circumstances under which each alter finds themselves in the interview room differ significantly. Marc inflicts harm upon himself to return, Jake must endure pain to escape, while Steven (who serves as their emotional anchor) only transitions in and out due to the psychological trauma associated with his mother. Each alter also exhibits triggers that lead them to turn on Dr. Harrow. Jake departs when Harrow asks about “the boy from his past,” Marc reacts when Steven is mentioned, and Steven finally snaps when Harrow brings up his mother’s death.
Childhood Memories
Now, let’s revisit the core memory: young Marc and Randall playing pretend in the forest, with Steven trailing behind them. This may seem like a simple childhood scene, but it holds deeper significance in how these characters perceive one another. Pay attention to the colors they wear, as this visual cue is essential for understanding their dynamics. Randall, dressed in blues and bright colors reminiscent of what Steven wore earlier in the series, symbolizes the cautious younger brother, following Marc into danger without considering his own safety. Marc, in neutral colors, jumps into peril without a second thought, inadvertently pulling his brother along with him.
Consider Steven’s attire. He is dressed in black, lagging further behind as the scene unfolds. Note that Jake is the only character consistently clad in black throughout the show. In contrast, Harrow, the avatars, and the Egyptian gods themselves all wear bright colors. While he remains in the background, acting as the eldest brother, he keeps a vigilant eye on the younger two without interfering in their play. Though they remain oblivious to his presence, he is the first to sense danger, willing to sacrifice himself to protect them. This portrayal highlights Jake’s often-overlooked role in their intertwined lives.
This show is practically a masterclass in the “rule of three.” We’ve got pyramids, the Judge, Jury, and Executioner trifecta, and even the good ol’ Id, Ego, and Superego. And let’s not forget the classic trio of Mind, Heart, and Gut.
Honestly, we could keep this going all day.
Jake’s Strategic Interventions
Jake only “takes over” three times, which is pretty impressive given how chaotic things can get. The first instance occurs during that whole Alps fiasco in Episode 1, where he swoops in to save Steven from an untimely demise. Next up is Episode 3, where he steps in to protect both Marc and Steven from getting killed, because, let’s face it, why not? And then, for his grand finale, he takes the reins in Episode 6 to save Layla and the rest from being snuffed out.
Talk about a stellar lineup: first, middle, last; past, present, future; stop, look, and listen. You get the drift, classic patterns are everywhere.
Mental Illness Awareness
Onto the not-so-great topic of mental illness. If you didn’t already catch on by the fact that I’m dissecting a two-year-old series that barely anyone remembers, let me just clarify: I’m on the spectrum. Oscar Isaac Hernandez Estrada himself confirmed that Steven is, too. And if Steven is, well, that means everyone else hanging out in that crowded mental space is likely in the same boat, including the bird god.
Each character displays traits commonly associated with autism, but let’s face it, Steven wears that badge most proudly. He’s the mask, but he’s got no reason to hide who he is. He’s unapologetically himself, no matter how people react. His hyperfixation, immense empathy, incessant rambling, and inability to read the room are all hallmarks of this trait. Steven is over-emotional and has a tendency to question everything instead of taking things at face value.
On the flip side, we’ve got Marc, who’s as closed off as a vault. He overthinks every little thing, loves hard, but struggles to express that love. He often prioritizes his own needs over others, which is just delightful. He loves hard, sure, but expressing that love? Forget it. It’s all about him, really; his needs always seem to take center stage while others are left vying for a spot in the background.
And then there’s Jake, our elusive enigma. He’s a tough nut to crack since we barely see him, but from what we do gather, he’s overly emotional, adheres to a strict moral code, avoids social interactions like the plague, and has one singular friend he’s fiercely loyal to; good luck to that poor soul. They’ve signed up for a lifetime of emotional roller coasters and dramatic exits, and they don’t even get a warning label.
Now let’s throw Khonshu into the mix. This guy is a real piece of work. He throws tantrums like a toddler denied candy and is so obsessed with his cause that he ends up isolating everyone around him. Social cues? Forget it. He’s too busy hyper-focusing on vengeance and following his black-and-white view of morality. You commit a heinous crime? Congratulations, you’re dead, mate. End of story.
It’s clear that none of the other gods are fond of him, and they’ve made that obvious from the start. This mirrors a common experience for autistic individuals who often find themselves marginalized and vilified, even when their intentions are pure.
Unspoken Dynamics
And Layla? Oh, Layla definitely knows more than she lets on, even if she hasn’t connected all the dots yet.
When she’s zooming around on the motorcycle with Steven, she casually throws out, “Is this the latest fake identity for you?” Now, sure, you could argue she’s talking about Moon Knight, but honestly, we don’t really know if Marc kept that little secret under wraps. After all, she’s already aware of the Moon Knight gig and seems to be fine with that, but she clearly has issues with the whole “fake identity” business.
No fair, Layla. You get three husbands?
Now, onto the intriguing image that has sparked all sorts of speculation. Some fans are convinced that the mysterious figure is Jake, with the only evidence being a very conspicuous hat. Sure, it’s a stretch, but let’s entertain the idea for a moment. Jake might not have a pressing reason to be out and about right now, but you know what? I have my own theory about who’s behind that hat.
Reflections and Symbolism
Alright, let’s ignore the naked Adonis in the middle of the room for a sec and focus on the real drama unfolding here.
We’ve got a smashed table, alcohol everywhere, and dark gloves chilling on the nightstand. Clearly, this isn’t someone who’s accustomed to the scorching desert heat, or maybe they just lack the common sense to wear something other than black in a sun-drenched hotel room.
Seriously, have we seen how Marc keeps his place? The man folds his bedding. He’s military-trained, not some party animal trashing an expensive hotel room with room service just because he’s peeved at Steven. No, if he’s there, he’s got a mission, and you better believe he’s going to see it through.
How about the reflections, because we know this show loves to smash things. Every reflective surface in this room is in pieces: lamp, TV, mirror, metal tray. And don’t forget the duffel bag sitting on the couch and the binoculars perched on the table. This setup suggests that either Marc or Jake took a little detour back to the apartment to snag the bag, then made a pit stop at the storage locker for those binoculars. They don’t just hang around for fun, after all.
Then there’s that delightful little mystery from episode one. There are two inaudible sentences: “Steven. What are you doing?” and “Oh.” They’re shown in yellow (definitely not white) and there’s no character name attached to them. So, is Steven’s job so mind-numbingly boring that Marc and Jake just hit snooze while he’s working? I mean, waking up to this chaos must be a real treat.
And let’s not forget, everything in this show operates on the glorious rules of three. It’s like a comforting pattern. Things happen in threes, and there are almost always three reflections in the mirror. It’s like a twisted little game of symbolism that keeps us all on our toes.
While Marc and Steven vie for our attention with their emotional arcs and moral quandaries, Jake swoops in like an overprotective hawk when the stakes are high, ready to unleash his inner fury. Despite being more of a shadowy figure than a full-fledged character, his identity is as complex as the web of mirrors that define him. While Marc may be the meticulous soldier, and Steven the bumbling dreamer, Jake is the fierce protector lurking just beneath the surface, ready to unleash his inner fury when the stakes get high. There’s a beauty in that brutality, a reminder that sometimes survival means getting your hands dirty.
Jake Lockley is a tantalizing blend of mystery and chaos, wrapped in a package that’s equal parts charming and dangerous. Did I miss any appearances? Let me know!
Chat with you again soon!
– __12AM__ –
Myths & Mischief 
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