I wasn’t going to listen to the last episode. I was afraid it was going to taint my memories of Jordan and Dan as JorDan but, I listened and I am so glad I did.
They are right to walk away now. Not because of a the Onion or Alex or anything like that but because, they will walk away as friends. I listen to a lot of podcasting duos/ensembles and what breaks the spell most frequently is the rumor of bickering and even hatred behind the scenes. Fans take sides, every minor issue is viewed as a reflection of the dissatisfaction the creators feel behind the scenes and, eventually, people just stop listening. There isn’t really a definitive end, the show fades as the relationships deteriorate and, in some cases, the show has lost so much popularity by that point that it feels like a relief to see it go. JorDan did not compromise, they consciously uncoupled before it ended in a tumultuous divorce or, worse, a general malaise that would have affected the show’s entire legacy.
I will miss the show so much. I will miss their dynamic so much. I thank them, however, for ending it in a way that will let me come back and enjoy my favorite episodes in times of stress and sadness. I thank them for making studying the awfulness that is Alex Jones palatable, without ever forgetting the people Jones’ actions affected. I thank them for being my bright spot on so many days when the news was dark. I wish them the best and look forward to enjoy their new endeavors.