Opinion: Jake Sisko wasn’t a hated character

Jake Sisko doesn’t belong on a list of bad characters

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine had some characters that didn’t endear themselves to some of the fans. Maybe they were too arrogant, too needy, or too whatever else you can think of. But for the many people who disliked those characters, there are many more who would defend them whole-heartedly. One I never expected to see on any annoying or hated list was Jake Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine yet Screen Rant’s list ranks him at number three of the 10 Most Hated Supporting Characters.

Screen Rant contends that there wasn’t any compelling writing for Jake, and that he “distracted his father from important matters of security.” But Jake was a large part of what made first Commander then Captain Sisko who he was. His son was always first and foremost on his mind, and while Jake got into some interesting scrapes with Nog, he always respected his father and didn’t try to interfere in Sisko’s duties to Deep Space Nine.

Jake Sisko was necessary to Deep Space Nine

Jake struggled to find his way at times and clashed with his father. He made some mistakes, but he also owned up to them. And, of course, he had a part in one of the most beautiful episodes of the series, “The Visitor.” The emotion displayed by Cirroc Lofton during his scenes was poignant and incredibly moving.

Benjamin Sisko’s story could not have existed without Jake’s story, and while Jake might have displayed some irritating tendencies at times (what character didn’t?), he was, by no means, hated. He was essential to the series, and those of us who watched him grow up on Deep Space Nine saw that with each passing episode. Jake Sisko belonged on the station. He belonged with his father.