Excellent piece: I'm especially struck by your exposition of their similarities. Though they're on opposite sides, they are ... well, not precisely equals, but equally mature / powerful / dangerous. That's what makes it such a fascinating pairing for me: I can't imagine Sparrow (I want to say, being happy, but it's more like 'tolerating') any serious relationship with someone who's not able to give as good as they get, and who isn't a match for Jack. Unless it's a woman of course. <g>

And thanks for reccing me!