‘My Life with the Walter Boys’ Star Noah LaLonde Opens Up About the Unexpected Turn in Cole and Jackie’s Storyline

Fans of teen drama have been buzzing since the premiere of season 2 of My Life with the Walter Boys, the Netflix series that captured hearts with its tale of grief, family, and complicated romance. After a year and a half of anticipation, the show picks up where it left off, diving deeper into the love triangle that has everyone picking sides. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, star Noah LaLonde, who plays the brooding Cole Walter, opens up about the evolution of Cole’s relationship with Jackie Howard, played by Nikki Rodriguez. He reveals why the storyline caught him off guard and how the subtle moments between the characters build a powerful connection. As the series explores themes of growth and unspoken emotions, LaLonde’s insights offer a fresh look at what makes this season so compelling.

Recapping the Season 1 Cliffhanger That Left Fans Reeling

Season 1 ended on a high-stakes note that had viewers on the edge of their seats. Jackie, a teenager uprooted from her life in New York City after a tragic family accident, found herself living with the chaotic Walter family in rural Silver Falls, Colorado. Amid adjusting to her new reality, she developed feelings for two brothers: the dependable Alex, portrayed by Ashby Gentry, and the more troubled Cole.

The finale delivered a bombshell. Jackie, then dating Alex, shared a secret kiss with Cole in the barn. Overwhelmed by her emotions and the mess she had created, she fled back to New York for the summer, leaving both brothers and the audience in suspense. This dramatic exit set the stage for season 2, where Jackie must confront the consequences of her actions. LaLonde reflects on how that moment lingered in fans’ minds, creating high expectations for the characters’ reunion.

Jackie’s Challenging Return to Silver Falls

In the new season, Jackie returns to Colorado ready to face the fallout. However, her homecoming is anything but smooth. She attempts to reconcile with Alex, and the former couple begins secretly hooking up. All the while, Jackie keeps her kiss with Cole under wraps, adding layers of tension and secrecy to their interactions.

This dynamic has left some fans of the Jackie-Cole pairing feeling shortchanged, as the overt romance seems to lean toward Alex. But LaLonde assures that the story is far from one-sided. The season focuses on Jackie’s efforts to rebuild her life in Silver Falls while grappling with her past mistakes. Images from the show, like a candid conversation between Cole and Jackie outdoors near a barn, hint at the unresolved chemistry simmering beneath the surface.

The Subtle Depth of Cole and Jackie’s Romance

Despite fewer flashy romantic scenes, LaLonde emphasizes that the bond between Cole and Jackie remains at the heart of the season. “I think what I really like about the season is that, although they don’t have as many overtly romantic moments, I think you see the deep love shine through in the scenes where they’re there for each other,” LaLonde, 27, tells PEOPLE.

He explains how these supportive moments strengthen their connection. How Jackie and Cole show up for each other “is really building on their relationship, the deep relationship that they’ve built,” he says. A still from episode 201 shows Cole in a reflective pose, capturing his internal growth.

LaLonde warns that viewers hoping for another dramatic barn kiss like in season 1 might be disappointed at first. “If you’re looking for another episode 10 barn kiss scene, you may be a little bit worried,” the actor admits. Instead, the romance unfolds through “a few longing gazes, and a few unspoken understandings, and real assessments of who these people are.” He believes these elements appear “ad nauseam” throughout the episodes, creating a more mature and nuanced love story.

LaLonde’s Surprise at the Relationship’s Direction

Even LaLonde was caught off guard by how Cole and Jackie’s arc played out in season 2, especially after the intense close of season 1. “I was definitely surprised doing the first few episodes, and thinking to myself, ‘Okay. Where are we together here?'” he admits.

This unexpected path stems from Cole’s efforts to mature. LaLonde adds, “I think the discipline that Cole shows in not jumping the gun and trying to get her is his way of, even subconsciously, trying to grow into the person that she needs [him to be].” A photo from episode 205 depicts Cole in a moment of contemplation, highlighting his character’s evolution.

The actor points out that Cole’s attraction to Jackie runs deep. He breaks down why Cole feels so drawn to her, noting her strength and the way she challenges him to be better. This surprise element adds authenticity to the storyline, mirroring how real relationships often take unpredictable turns.

Fan Reactions and the ‘Endgame’ Hopes for Cole and Jackie

LaLonde is fully aware of the passionate fanbase rooting for Cole and Jackie to end up together. He shares, “I think I saw a social media post that said, ‘Cole and Jackie are endgame,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s interesting.'”

This fan fervor has fueled discussions online, with many expressing their desire for more explicit romance. But LaLonde appreciates how the season prioritizes emotional depth over spectacle. He teases that while the path is winding, the underlying love story continues to brew, keeping viewers invested.

As My Life with the Walter Boys season 2 streams on Netflix, LaLonde’s revelations highlight the show’s commitment to character development. The series, adapted from Ali Novak’s novel, blends heartfelt moments with the messiness of young love, making it a standout for U.S. audiences craving relatable drama. With new episodes exploring family bonds and personal growth, it’s clear why fans can’t get enough. Whether Team Cole or Team Alex, the journey promises more surprises ahead.