Jazz is a favourite from the classic cartoon, Optimus's right hand. In the 2007 film he's the only Autobot to die: Megatron tears him in half in the final battle. Fans still discuss the decision.
Why it hurts
In the film Jazz barely had time to develop: a few lines, a bright style — then a sudden death. For those who knew him from the classics, it was like losing an old friend without a chance to say goodbye.
Possible reasons
There are few official explanations. Story-wise, the death showed how dangerous Megatron is and that heroes can truly be lost in this world. Practically, the film needed a sacrifice among the Autobots, and the choice fell on one of the script's minor characters.
Criticism
Some critics and viewers noted that the first Black-coded character among the Autobots was the first to die — which added ambiguity to the scene. Others felt the only problem was that the character never got to matter to the story.
What remains
Jazz didn't return in later films, but he still lives on in series, comics and the hearts of classic fans.
