Jesse Law

Jesse and Guy share a professional history. Guy noticed Jesse's talent and became his mentor. The two are similar in their approach to work and have commonalities. Gilet has described Jesse as being Guy's wingman and together they took risks and aimed to be pioneers in their respective fields.[5] He later compared their relationship to that of Star Wars characters Yoda and Luke Skywalker.[6] Jesse was forced to leave his previous job after sleeping with a patient.[7] He is already acquainted with the characters Colette Sheward (Louise Delamere) and Zosia March (Camilla Arfwedson), the latter who refers to him as "uncle".[8]

Jesse is a quirky character. I'd like to think that he has a great bedside manner and he loves all aspects of the medical career that he's taken on. He loves working with people, and he loves the thought that he can help them with their wellbeing and make them better. Jesse has got a passion about what he does and he loves people. He is a driven guy and very much into pushing himself personally.

— Gilet describing his character.[4]

Upon his arrival Jesse presents himself as "very confident, cocky and sure of himself".[5] His official character biography describes him as arrogant.[4] As a highly skilled anaesthetist he can show off his talent. He loves his career and works hard, but he also loves life and parties equally as hard.[5] He is very flirtatious and has a penchant for taking his bedside manner too far. Jesse is also unorthodox in his methods of practicing medicine. Gilet told Katy Moon from Inside Soap that cocksure Jesse "believes in his own skill at saving lives. He loves his job."[6] His personality can be confusing as enjoys behaving in a controversial manner. Gilet believed that viewers would never be sure if to view him as dangerous or stable. He added "people try to put him in the box of ladykiller, player, or heart-throb, but he's not that two-dimensional.[6] Jesse's flaws are forgivable in Gilet's opinion. He has a "flip side" to his personality which is "puckish and mischievous" and there is an unpredictability about him. This contrasts to the serious approach he applies to his career.[4] Gilet later told Lorraine Kelly that Jesse is a thrill-seeker and free-wheeler living on the edge. But he warned that his character's ways could lead to disaster and danger.[9] From Jesse's inception he faces animosity from Deputy CEO Serena Campbell (Catherine Russell). Gilet told Daniel Kilkelly (Digital Spy) that Serena prefers humbleness as opposed to Jesse praising his own professional skills.[4]

A reporter from the Grimsby Telegraph reported that the inclusion of patient Lindsey Kendal (Claire Sweeney) in Zosia's storyline would help develop a romance story with Jesse.[11] It begins with casual flirting. But when Jesse offers advise on how to treat patient, Lindsey, they share a kiss in the locker room.[12] Arfwedson told a What's on TV reporter that Zosia was delighted by Jesse's appointment as Holby's latest anaesthetist. She added that they are already both fond of each other and often flirt.[13] When Lindsey marks Zosia bedside manner low, Jesse teases her. The actress noted "Jesse's the only one who can tease Zosia and make her laugh and he doesn't give in to her demands, which is even more attractive to her." Arfwedson believed there was much chemistry between Jesse and Zosia. But it is fellow character Dominic Copeland (David Ames) helps Zosia realise her attraction to Jesse. Following Jesse's tormenting the "predatory" character becomes "very animalistic" and pounces on Jesse, making her feelings clear.[13]

The pair continue their affair in secret but it soon becomes problematic.[14] Arfwedson told Katy Moon (Inside Soap) that Jesse really gets Zosia. She is characterised as an "ice queen" but she just "melts around him". When Jesse distances himself from Zosia, she tries to win him back with negative consequences. The actress detailed the scenes in which Zosia sneaks into an important neurological operation to be close to him. But Jesse cannot cope with her distraction and she kisses him. But the move causes "everything to blow up in her face".[14] The episodes which aired in July feature Jesse ending his relationship with Zosia for good when she becomes too serious about their future. But when Guy finds out about their affair he punches Jesse and he leaves Holby City.[15][16] Arfwedson assessed that Guy could not accept Zosia and Jesse because the latter "is such a player" and has been sleeping with his daughter.[14]

Jesse leaves Holby City following the outing of his affair with Zosia. But an Inside Soap writer reported that the character would return to the show. They added that his return would be a "bitter pill" for both Jesse and Guy.[17] Jesse returns during the episode airing on 28 October 2014 and was credited as a regular cast member.[18][19] Having previously been posted on Keller ward, upon his return Jesse resumes work on Darwin ward. Another reporter said that it does not take long for the character to "ruffle a few feathers" when he returns.[20]

Gilet told a What's on TV reporter that the situation between Jesse and Guy should not have ended so abruptly. So Jesse feels that there is "unfinished business there" but foremost he wants to do his job.[21] When Jac employs him, Guy is forced to accept his employment because he knows what Jesse is capable of professionally and wants the best for the hospital. While working on Darwin the character becomes assigned to cardiothoracic registrar Mo Effanga (Chizzy Akudolu). Gilet said that Jesse and Mo share the same work related chemistry that he had with Guy. But Mo does not trust him and he tries to earn it. He added that Jesse helps Mo in theatre and encourages her to adopt his risk taking approach to surgery.[21]