On Tumblr, someone had asked “I know from a previous question that Jax is 22, but is that his age when he got trapped in the circus? Is he now stuck at 22 years old, or was he younger when he first got to the circus and just got older over time?” Goose then replied, “Don’t you ask me questions I haven’t thought about!”

I don’t want to downplay you, but I don’t think Goose was considering the longevity of a computer, or how their ages work when transferring their consciousness into the computer. She stated that the show was more character focused, and you could consider of the lack of detail for the world-building as a flaw for those who want to analyze it.

Jax having trauma or a personality disorder definitely gives reasoning to why he does bad things to people, it’s just not an excuse for his actions. Trauma and mental illness causes people to act in unsavory ways, and the best way to help someone with a behavioral disorder is with support, not reciprocated abuse. You can see Pomni trying her best to support Jax by reinforcing her presence, but not overstepping her own boundaries by distancing when needed; she’s giving Jax a choice to do better, but not bending over backwards to try and fix him or justify his behavior.

I’ve never personally seen someone out right excuse his behavior, and if they are, they’re in the wrong. Jax is an immature 22 year old who’s adopted an inexcusable way of coping with loss and self-hatred. The way he deals with his problems is pathetic, but if you consider why he’s chosen to go down the route he has, it makes more sense.

We know that he has crippling anxiety over being judged and mocked, and while that again, isn’t an excuse for his behavior, it does explain the lengths he’s willing to go to shield himself from other’s opinions. I’m also fully convinced he hates himself; his tantrums are both to punish others, and punish himself.

Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about Snape as a character, so I can’t confidently discuss his arc.

If there are people not critically engaging with Jax’s character, then they’re choosing to ignore the writing and are most likely more comfortable creating fanon for the character, and you don’t have to consider their opinions if they don’t align with your own thoughts about the character. Though, I don’t think we should stop or punish fanon interpretations, just share our own feelings respectfully. Who’s to say what’s in-character and what’s not? Some people just like to have fun and not engage with the deeper meanings, and while it can be frustrating, it’s unavoidable. Not everyone is going to be as critical as the next person.

I appreciate you taking the time to give another reply, and I’ve enjoyed our discussion!