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The Many Examples of TV Romance
If there is one thing
television writers excel at, it’s whipping audiences into a frenzy. Aside from
the twists the puzzling plots take, where this element really becomes a problem
are the romantic relationships. The writer’s put us through a roller-coaster,
will-they-or-won’t-they tease. This causes us mere mortals’ trauma. Our fandom
loving hearts cannot take those longing glances, all of which merely serves as
a conformation that these couples are meant
for each other. We all know who they are and squeal with pleasure
(seriously, I’m not alone in this, am I?) when things seem to be falling into
place and take to social media when something goes wrong. Here are some of the
romances television has introduced us to.
First there is CW’s Arrow
and its titular character Oliver Queen. This relationship seems to be destined
to “torture” us forever. We all know he and Felicity Smoak are meant for each
other, but does he? Nope. Seems Oliver wants to go self-sacrificial and keep
distance (in a romantic sense) from the woman he truly loves because he doesn’t
want to put her in danger. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Oliver, this is dumb
reasoning. Much as I love him, it had to be said. The logic behind that doesn’t
compute because Felicity is firmly ingrained in Oliver’s life even if only in a
professional capacity. She is a part of Team Arrow and of course, anyone could
threaten her just for that. Still, if Oliver wants to be noble, let’s see how
far it takes him.
ABC gave us an alternative in the short-lived Pushing Daisies which featured pie-maker
Ned and his true love Charlotte – “Chuck.” In this quirky story, I’ve no doubt
the two would have been together had it not been for the awkward impediment
that if Ned were to touch Chuck, she’d die. You see, Ned has the unusual
ability to bring people to life – as he did for Chuck, but if he touches them
again, they die.
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| c/o pushing daisies.com |
1920’s Australia introduces us to lady detective Miss Phryne
Fisher and Detective Jack Robinson. The attraction between these two is
instantaneous. From the start, it’s obvious both are interested. Phryne is
quite the sassy woman and Jack is married making them unattainable. But as time
passes, Jack’s marriage ends in divorce and there is a moment that the pair
nearly break down and spill what’s plainly written across their faces. Part of
what makes this relationship so interesting is the differing personalities of
the two: Jack is as “buttoned up” as they come. He’s a gentleman who isn’t the
type to take advantage of anyone or anything. Phryne is the definition of a
“modern woman” and seems to take pleasure in “shocking” Jack either with the things
she says or the independent streak that is constantly getting her into tight
fixes.
CBS’ The Mentalist is
another complicated romance. Its hero, Patrick Jane lost his wife to a horrific
murder prior to when we meet him, but working with the CBI (California Bureau
of Investigation), the lead agent, Theresa Lisbon is someone who seems to
reignite a spark in him. Whether he realizes
that or not is another thing entirely. Jane’s broken spirit and heart prevent
him from ever telling Lisbon anything while Lisbon is drawn to Jane because of
his demeanor and unusual crime solving. In spite of his infuriating methods,
she falls head over heels for him. Their relationship blossomed after a genuine
friendship and when Jane actually does tell Lisbon the truth, I swear, I
probably wore a smile for hours after watching that defining moment.
Then there are the marrieds. I don’t think a more wonderful
couple has graced the screen than Peter and Elizabeth Burke. These two… I adore
them. Their relationship may be glossed over in some regards, but it also shows
the ups and downs of marriage. The Burkes hit snags along the way yet through
it all, they’re a “solid” relationship that TV writers don’t usually give fans.
It’s a happy relationship that starts with a happily ever after and answers
that age-old question “what comes next.”
No matter your favorite television romances, there is the
common thread of winks and teasing that never seem to let up. It’s clear
romance sells because nearly every procedural has one in their story. The
writer’s might think that this is what keeps us glued to the television screen
when in reality, a couple actually getting together can make any story that
much stronger. But the secret is they also know that no matter how long the
“slow burn” develops, we aren’t likely to abandon our fandoms. Cleary, we’re in
it for the long run with these couples.
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