| Jason White | |
|---|---|
| |
| Character Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | 10 |
| Hair | Brown |
| Eyes | Unknown |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Appearances | |
| Debut Episode/Fic | "Cartman Gets an Anal Probe" |
Jason White was a boy in the fourth grade class of South Park Elementary in South Park known for his distinctive appearance. He made only six brief speaking appearances despite frequent mentions and background appearances. He was killed off in the season 23 episode, "Season Finale".
Please visit his article on the South Park Archives for more information.
Appearance
Jason was a mostly average fourth grader, with long dark brown hair, sideburns over his small but noticeable ears, and a receding hairline that exposed most of his forehead. He wore a bright purple jacket with a darker collar, and fairly typical blue pants. According to Wendy Testaburger, he had noticeable freckles.
Character
A longtime friend of the boys who has rarely ever spoken, most will easily recognize Jason for the fourth grader's inexplicably receding hairline and balding haircut. Often lending a hand when the boys and their extended friendship circles are screwing around, whether it's participating in sports or getting lost in a fantasy role-playing game, Jason has always been a playful and supportive friend, especially to Craig and Those Guys. Known for his love of sports, he plays basketball and football for the school's the South Park Cows. Though friendly and outgoing, he is noticeably quiet, especially in the presence of his father, Bob White, who has frequently protested his family's treatment in the town.
Death
In season 23's "Season Finale", a large group of male kids was playing football in the park, with Eric Cartman hiking the ball, when Jason open and repeatedly offering to catch the ball even as Cartman insisted he "couldn't catch". After going long and running into the street to catch it, Jason was hit by a police cruiser. His funeral was held the next day, where he was eulogized as "playful" by Priest Maxi and his father, Bob White. They would find the time to move on though, soon adopting a young child named Alejandro, who would become "Mexican Joker" and lead to Stan's father being freed from County Jail for domestic terrorism.
Fan Reception
Jason's lack of defined personal characteristics despite his more frequent references and distinctive appearance, and general lack of focus even compared to other secondary children, made him a joking target among fans, suggesting that he was eager to receive attention and craves the spotlight. This was reflected in his official 'DNA overview' which included reference to Jason's desire for a chance to shine, even if only once.
His moment may have come too late as he was killed off just a few episodes later in "Season Finale", a decision which received a mixed to negative reaction among South Park fans, with many expressing disappointment on social media to see the character killed off and some for his limited role in the storyline. Social media chatter among fans focused heavily on his passing, and multiple posts on Tumblr received hundreds of notes referencing his death, including memorials reflecting on his role in the show and an astute observation that "any ancillary character could be killed off at any point and that’s kind of unsettling".
External links
- Character Guide - South Park Studios
- Jason White - South Park Archives