Jackie Cook

Jackie Cook arrives at Neptune High as the new girl with money, poise, and a famous father whose name she'd rather not lean on. She's dating Wallace, unimpressed by Veronica's reputation, and quick to defend herself when the town's gossip machine turns her way. Confident, guarded, and used to being watched.

The show hands Jackie the thankless job of rival-to-the-heroine and then refuses to let her stay one note — she's sharp-tongued in her own defense, not just an obstacle. Tessa Thompson plays the prickliness as armor rather than villainy, so you sense the person underneath before the show lets you see her.