Fast & Furious: How Jakob Toretto Hurt Dom's "Family" Mantra
The introduction of Jakob Toretto in Fast & Furious created a significant challenge to Dominic Toretto's long-held "family" mantra, potentially undermining a core theme of the entire franchise.
John Cena's addition to the Fast & Furious cast as Jakob Toretto seemed like a perfect fit, given the franchise's history of featuring physically imposing actors. Jakob's role as an antagonist in *F9* also raised the stakes for Dom, forcing him to confront elements of his past. He even transitions into a hero in *Fast X*, following a common trend in the series.
The Fast & Furious saga is celebrated for its blend of over-the-top action and storylines reminiscent of soap operas, including amnesia plots and resurrections. The revelation of Jakob as Dom's long-lost brother aligns with the franchise's penchant for dramatic twists but arguably contradicts the central tenet of family that Dom champions.
The "Family" Paradox in Fast & Furious
Throughout the Fast & Furious movies, Dominic Toretto has consistently emphasized the importance of family, extending this concept beyond blood relations to include his chosen family of friends and loved ones. This makes the complete absence of any prior mention of his brother, Jakob, particularly striking.
Given Dom's constant preaching about family, the fact that Jakob was never acknowledged in previous films feels out of character. While *F9* attempts to address this oversight with flashbacks, it's evident that the idea of Dom having a brother was a later addition, resulting in some retroactive continuity issues.
The sudden appearance of Jakob, Dom's brother, raises questions about why Dom would completely exclude him from his life. This undermines the impact of Dom's "family" mantra, making it seem as though he doesn't fully practice what he preaches. This isn't just about Dom's character; it's about a central theme of the entire franchise.
How *F9* Tried to Justify Jakob's Absence
Recognizing the potential awkwardness of introducing Jakob in *F9*, the filmmakers attempted to provide a compelling explanation for Dom's long-standing silence about his brother. The flashback reveals that Dom blamed Jakob for their father's death, believing he tampered with his car, leading to the fatal crash.
This betrayal of family provided a plausible reason for Dom to cut Jakob out of his life. The fact that Dom allowed Jakob to live suggests that he still harbored some love for his brother.
However, *F9*'s decision not to portray Jakob as a true villain complicated matters. The revelation that Jakob was merely following their father's instructions in an attempt to win the race ultimately diminishes Dom's character.
Instead of being a man who justifiably disowned his brother for causing their father's death, Dom becomes someone who wrongfully accused his brother, leading to a life of hardship. This contradicts Dom's "family" mantra, as his rash judgment negatively impacted his brother's life.
The Missed Opportunity for a Great Villain
Jakob could have been a more compelling character had he actually been responsible for their father's death, potentially becoming one of the best Fast & Furious villains. His eventual redemption feels hollow, as Dom doesn't truly confront the consequences of his actions, and Jakob's death in *Fast X* is quickly glossed over.
Ultimately, while the Fast & Furious movies continue to emphasize Dom's dedication to family, the introduction of Jakob Toretto has introduced a degree of complexity that undermines the impact of this core theme.