Thursday, November 4, 2010
Let's not be mature and responsible, 'mkay?
One of the shows I like watching (and my inner Geek will come flying out when I admit this) is Eureka, on the Sci-fi channel.
Like many shows, there has been a budding romance from day one. Carter is the main character, the Sheriff in this odd and strange scientific town (Geeky, yes, I know). The head of the scientific research company is Allie, Carter's love interest. I've been watching this show for years, since it first started, and have been waiting for Carter and Allie to FINALLY get together.
There have been close calls. There have been wacky lapses in the time-space continuum where they're together in the future, but not in the present. Allie's ex-husband showed up for a couple seasons and then (thankfully) died. Carter dated another girl or two.
But you knew, the whole time, that they were meant to be together. It was just one of those love stories. They knew it, we knew it, it was just a matter of timing.
After five years, on an episode a couple weeks ago, they finally took the plunge. They talked. They admitted their attraction. They decided they wanted to be in a relationship. Both have children, so they discussed the implications of their relationship on the kids, and how they might handle that.
They even dropped the L-word.
And then, they went off to bed for the first time.
Frankly, I'm thoroughly annoyed with this. Where was the drama? Where was the passionate tumbling into bed, and then the immediate, "Oh crap, what have I done?" Where was the stressing about how the other felt about them?
They were freaking mature! They discussed the boundaries of their relationship, came to a mutual decision, were both assured how the other felt about them, and made every effort to protect the kids on both sides.
Basically, the were mature, responsible adults. They both put their families first, communicated openly and honestly, and will probably have a secure and wonderful relationship because of it.
And yet, I feel almost like I missed out on something. I kept thinking, "really? That's IT? They're just.....together now? And happy?"
So what do you think? Do you prefer your romance protagonists to be mature adults who think through the consequences of their decisions first? Or do you prefer the drama, the unbridled sexual tension that makes all logical thought fly out the window? Somewhere in the middle? Do you love the morning-after regrets and the new tension that brings, or prefer for all the messy, emotional issues to be on the table first, before sex happens? Would you be disappointed if your characters acted in the most mature and adult way possible?
Like many shows, there has been a budding romance from day one. Carter is the main character, the Sheriff in this odd and strange scientific town (Geeky, yes, I know). The head of the scientific research company is Allie, Carter's love interest. I've been watching this show for years, since it first started, and have been waiting for Carter and Allie to FINALLY get together.
There have been close calls. There have been wacky lapses in the time-space continuum where they're together in the future, but not in the present. Allie's ex-husband showed up for a couple seasons and then (thankfully) died. Carter dated another girl or two.
But you knew, the whole time, that they were meant to be together. It was just one of those love stories. They knew it, we knew it, it was just a matter of timing.
After five years, on an episode a couple weeks ago, they finally took the plunge. They talked. They admitted their attraction. They decided they wanted to be in a relationship. Both have children, so they discussed the implications of their relationship on the kids, and how they might handle that.
They even dropped the L-word.
And then, they went off to bed for the first time.
Frankly, I'm thoroughly annoyed with this. Where was the drama? Where was the passionate tumbling into bed, and then the immediate, "Oh crap, what have I done?" Where was the stressing about how the other felt about them?
They were freaking mature! They discussed the boundaries of their relationship, came to a mutual decision, were both assured how the other felt about them, and made every effort to protect the kids on both sides.
Basically, the were mature, responsible adults. They both put their families first, communicated openly and honestly, and will probably have a secure and wonderful relationship because of it.
And yet, I feel almost like I missed out on something. I kept thinking, "really? That's IT? They're just.....together now? And happy?"
So what do you think? Do you prefer your romance protagonists to be mature adults who think through the consequences of their decisions first? Or do you prefer the drama, the unbridled sexual tension that makes all logical thought fly out the window? Somewhere in the middle? Do you love the morning-after regrets and the new tension that brings, or prefer for all the messy, emotional issues to be on the table first, before sex happens? Would you be disappointed if your characters acted in the most mature and adult way possible?
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70 comments:
I haven't watched this show, but I think I'd be disappointed too. If I'd been following (for five years?!), I'd be thinking the only way these two are going to get together is going to be dramatic -- like the one of them almost dies or almost marries someone else kind of drama that forces them to act in a definitely not mature way. If they just started talking I'd be thinking something was missing too and I'd be wondering how did they suddenly know now was the time. LOL
But maybe that's too much of a show-over-everybody-get-new-jobs kind of ending for a tv series. If they did something big and the show didn't end, then what? I think I'd definitely be disappointed if there were morning after regrets. This more realistic ending is probably more of a transition to keep the show going. I'd still be disappointed though that they got together this "mature" way! Maybe it's a dream. LOL
Oh, I'd be disappointed! I love the misunderstandings! *LOL* That was just lame. Just because you talk doesn't mean you've hammered out EVERYTHING and there is no drama. There is ALWAYS drama. The kids don't like each other, one of them is offered a great job out of state--something.
As long as there are two hearts involved, there is always conflict of some kind.
But these are SCIENTISTS--isn't that what you said?--maybe they're Spock-like, logic over emotion, and this scene was done humorously, to show you "scientist version of passion". *LOL*
I am a geek of the non-scientific kind, which means I hate the Sci-fi channel and have never heard of this show. But it's still storytelling and totally get your disappointment.
The point is, there are EMOTIONS involved in deciding to have sex. You can be as rational as you want and talk about all the issues and you're still going to be an emotional mess at some point. I'd think it would have made the show even better to let the viewer see these rational, scientific people get emotional.
You can't wrap romance, sex, and love up in a nice calm, rational ball. You just can't do it.
And mature? Come on, we've all had sex. It's not as fun if you're all mature about it. LOL!
This is too funny. LOL I watched a few episodes of the first season a long time ago, so I kinda remember the main guy, but not the heroine.
It does sound really anti-climatic. It also sounds really mature and the way it *should* be handled if it were in real life.
But this is a great example of why drama should not BE like real life. It is meant to demonstrate life with heightened emotions and dramatic episodes. It's why we LIKE drama (and some people like drama in their real lives too!) We get to experience those emotional moments, not just watch them on a screen.
I wonder if there will be some emotional repercussions for them to deal with later.
But this is a great example of why drama should not BE like real life.
Dude, who the hell actually does this in real life? I certainly don't. I'm as immature and dramatic as it gets. If I can misunderstand anything, I will. If I can complicate something with sex, I'll definitely do that as well. Who are these supposedly mature people who do this in real life?
I have some meetings stacked up today, but I'm going to do my best to keep up!
Melissa - hi! Yeah, I like the drama too. There has been that in the past -- it's been a will-they/won't-they type thing for years, so there was a big dramatic moment that prompted them to kiss. But then a couple episodes later (after trying to ignore the fact that they kissed), they finally sat down and talked....and bam! They're now together and happy.
And with this show, I'm not discounting the possibility that it's a dream, or some alternate reality, and next season, one (or both) of them will not have realized it happened...or something. Who knows :)
If I can complicate something with sex, I’ll definitely do that as well.
hahahahahahahaha
hahahaha.
As long as there are two hearts involved, there is always conflict of some kind.
So true, Hellie,and probably why I adore romance so much. There's always some drama to be had. And I'm sure they'll be more in the next season, it was just all so.....mature! lol. I know how I'm *supposed* to act as a mature, reasonable adult, but I see no need to make characters act like that!
You can’t wrap romance, sex, and love up in a nice calm, rational ball. You just can’t do it.
Nope, Ter. And when you do, it's just plain boring, apparently :) I think this is part of the reason I like angst so much -- it's the drama. Whether the drama is the funny kind or the rip-your-heart-out kind, it's still got to be there. Maybe this is why I can read the same romances over and over again and never get tired of them. I re-read one of Linda Lail Miller's McKettrick series books last night -- and had just read it last week, and a gagillion times before that, and I still burst into tears. Every time. It's the drama....sigh....
I know how you feel, Hal. Kiddo and I watched Moulin Rouge again last night. I am a total sucker for that movie. I don't even care that it doesn't have a HEA. It's the music. I'm a sucker for the music!
Life is angst. And if anyone lives a life without it, that must be one boring life. I'm with Hellie, who are these mature people handing sex in this mature manner in real life? LOL!
We get to experience those emotional moments, not just watch them on a screen.
I wonder if there will be some emotional repercussions for them to deal with later.
Donna, I think that's what bothered me, that I missed experiencing those emotions with them. It was like they skipped the black moment in a novel. After looking at the episode guide to remind myself (it's been a month or so since the episode aired, and I've lost my mind since then), in the very next episode, they both have to deal with their own insecurities and doubts about the relationship. So there are repructions, and I'm sure will continue to be....so that helps. But still. I hated that they were so mature :)
Oh I LOVE Moulin Rouge. I turn it off at the moment where they're on stage and she's in his arms and everything's prefect (i.e., right before she dies). I know she dies, but I don't need to actually watch that part again ;)
This may be TMI, but the first time I had a serious boyfriend, I went to Planned Parenthood and said I wanted a prescription for birth control because I was dating this guy, and figured we'd start sleeping together soon. The nurse's eyes about popped out of her head. She couldn't believe I was coming in pre-emptively to get birth control. Wasn't that what I was *supposed* to do??? But apparently, in real life, very few girls actually do that :)
You mean you were planning ahead? LOL! It's not like that's in their name or anything. I love that the woman was shocked, but since I'm dreading the day my daughter suggests we take her to get these pills, I'm not finding it as funny as I once might have. *sigh*
Oh I LOVE Moulin Rouge. I turn it off at the moment where they’re on stage and she’s in his arms and everything’s prefect (i.e., right before she dies). I know she dies, but I don’t need to actually watch that part again ;)
This reminds me of how I used to read Where the Red Fern Grows. I'd read it until right before the cougar attack and Big Dan dies. Right where they're happiest.
I haven't seen this show either. But I'm a geek in every sort of way, so I'm surprised. Though my tv viewing has been pretty limited the past four years.
I love love Moulin Rouge too, though.
I think that I would hate this too. I think the sexual tension is the reason I read. The reason I watch stuff. I think it's the reason people follow shows (Bones? Castle?) and soap operas (I think some of those couples have been angsting it up for years and years now). I think it keeps people reading books.
I know I have a hard time with books where they get it on in the first chapter. Yeah, there's still plenty of room for drama after sex, but some of my favorite drama is the "I have no idea what it'd be like to sleep with that person but dang, I wanna know" kind.
My BFF loves this show. It is strangely interesting. But I'm a nerd. And I also don't have cable so I don't have the luxury of watching it. (Probably a good thing otherwise I'd never get anything accomplished. Not that I do now...)
And I prefer immaturity when it comes to love and relationships. It's no fun if there isn't forbidden passion between two people. I love the build up, the excitement. I'm with Marn. Sexual tension between the characters is what keeps me reading. It's why I keep reading Plum. There is tension between Ranger and Steph. I'm not the only one who sees it. There is a whole fandom dedicated to it. It made me become a writer. There is fire to be had when tension comes out to play. Why not drag it out for a book or two (episode or two). Not 16 books. That's just stupid. Because no matter how bad I wanted to get into someone's pants, I'm not waiting 16 books (Wait, 8 books and counting) to get into someone's pants again. Screw that. I'll find someone else to push against a wall.
Great blog!
Dang, she dies in Moulin Rouge? Well that's sucky.
Ok, here goes. I liked it. I liked that it kept the two of them in character, totally. He was the dork that got the brainy girl and didn't quite believe it. And for angst? The first morning they wake up together he faces a crisis where she dies! (I mean, he fixes it, but still...)
Looking at the two characters, it just seemed the right way for things to happen for them. A bit like two awkward kids who know they aren't kids, but still have some kidlike 'I can't believe this is happening' inside it all...
Sorry, Hal... I am enjoying the courtship and Henry and his 'wife'...
Uh oh, did we just spoil the movie for Sin?
Wait, she dies but he fixes it? What the heck kind of show is this? LOL!
It's a kooky sci-fi show. Hal mentioned time travel, silly... So...yes! He fixes it.
Don't worry Ter. I'm not likely to see it in this lifetime.
But, Sin, the music is awesome. You have to at least watch the Tango scene using The Police's Roxanne. You could find that one on YouTube.
Kooky time travel is not my thing.
I love musicals, don't get me wrong. I'm just not much of a movie watcher.
I’m just not much of a movie watcher.
You should totally relate, Ter.
Oh yeah, there's a lot of time travel involved :)
Chance - I'm glad you liked it. And I'm happy they got together (and totally forgot that she died the next day!). I just felt cheated by the ease in which they got together, I guess.
You said, Looking at the two characters, it just seemed the right way for things to happen for them. A bit like two awkward kids who know they aren’t kids, but still have some kidlike ‘I can’t believe this is happening’ inside it all…
You're absolutely right on that front, that it was very "in-character" for both of them. And for that, I definitely give the writer props. Allie's not really the drama-queen type, and it would have been worse if they'd tried to make her into that. And I adored Carter's next-morning reaction when he said, "So, uh, that happened". LOL. what a dork :)
Marn, it's not a show I always watch, but the hubs loves it, and it's fun. Mostly because Carter, the Sheriff, is just a normal guy who is trying to control a town full of geniuses, so he doesn't fit in, and people are always making fun of him because he doesn't understand quantum physics....I find it hilarious in a campy, fun sort of way.
I love sexual tension too, and I'm with you on characters getting into bed too early. I've seen it done well, at times, when it just makes everything else convoluted, but there's something about the *first time* that is inherently more dramatic. Sure, you wonder when they'll end up in bed again, but it's not really the same as the first time. Not to say that it can't be done, just that for me, I find it often lowers, rather than raises, the sexual tension.
Maybe that's where my disappointment came from -- not so much that they were mature, but that I felt like the sexual tension wasn't high enough before they resolved it. Almost like they went to bed too early (even though they'd have 5 years of tension....jeez, I'm not articulate today, am I?)
but since I’m dreading the day my daughter suggests we take her to get these pills, I’m not finding it as funny as I once might have
Ter, I found this hilarious, but only because I know I'm having a boy, and I know this will be my only child. I can't even imagine what you're facing :)
Sin, I'm pretty sure you have to be a nerd to like the show, so you're in good company *g*
Not 16 books. That’s just stupid. Because no matter how bad I wanted to get into someone’s pants, I’m not waiting 16 books
Oh yeah, there's definitely a limit. Even with Bones, which is a show I adore, I'm starting to get tired of waiting. And the whole entire reason I started writing in the first place was like you -- I was sick of waiting for Steph and Ranger to get it on, so I did it for them :)
There's definitely a fine line
Yes!! Sex should be climactic, by definition, or something has gone wrong :)
It is as you said, Hal, it felt ANTI-CLIMATIC, which is the last thing you want when you have people having SEX for crying out loud.
Hal - You can be an early grandmother just as well as I can! Wait until he starts searching your nightstand for condoms. (And asks why the vasaline is in there. ;) )
Dude, I'd be happy they were looking for condoms. That shows some sense. So many of them don't bother--because "you can't get pregnant the first time" or "you can't get pregnant on your period" or "you can't get pregnant in a hot tub." Or whatever.
But they'll be having SEX! That's my issue. Gah! I don't want to think about it.
I'll be in my cabin scrubbing my brain.
oh jeez. More to worry about. Thanks :)
I think it's different to know a teenage boy is having sex, than a teenage girl. It shouldn't be, of course, but it seems way less traumatic to be dealing with boys and sex. And I can always pass that job off to his dad :)
Uh huh. Just wait.
I'm still creeped out about my teenage younger brother talking about it. The only good part about that is when my sister and I make sex jokes, it makes him crazy. So that's fun.
he turns 4, not for. bleh....
I think it might just feel like a long way away.
My oldest turns for this month. He just told me last week he doesn't play with the girls at school. I asked why and he just said they're different; none of them like trains. Then he basically rolled his eyes and snorted.
I had to explain that just because the girls at school don't love trains like he does (read: aren't OBSESSED with trains like him) doesn't mean girls aren't fun to play with and that he should try to be friends with everyone.
It's hard to picture him having sex.
Oh that's so cute. Girls hate trains. haha!
My nephews, who lived with me when they were tiny, are turning 14 and 15 this week. So I've gotten to hear all about puberty. It kind of grosses me out, to be honest. I remember changing these kids diapers and they're telling me about their friends having sex. Yikes!
*sticks fingers in ears*
lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala
lol
I've never seen the show but can imagine the let down. You kinda want the sex to be a big deal and therefore spark all kinds of wild emotions in both of them. You want it to be a huge end of the year cliffhanger instead of just another show with them getting together shoved in there mid-season.
I'm dating myself here, but I'm trying to remember other TV shows where you wanted the couple to get together and then what happened when they did (ie. Moonlighting, Remington Steele, Friends, etc.) I think the shows usually went off the air. LOL
As for the kids having sex - I'm getting an ear full of that now and it's totally freaking me out.
And Hal, I worry more about my boy than my girl. Maybe cause she is so logical and sensible. If it doesn't make sense she isn't going to do it. She's already voiced, quite loudly, that having sex and possibly ruining your life with an unplanned pregnancy is the height of illogical behavior.
My boy on the other hand is an unknown and he's male. I'm a little worried that maybe the average teenage boy's brain is not totally participating when making those decisions. I also worry about him falling prey to some girl's manipulations.
I’m a little worried that maybe the average teenage boy’s brain is not totally participating when making those decisions.
I don't know how many adult male brains are totally participating when making those decisions. Anyone got any statistics on that?
I think the shows usually went off the air. LOL
Irish - lol! I think you're right. Once the sexual tension is gone, it's hard to replace it with enough other tension.
I also worry about him falling prey to some girl’s manipulations.
This would just kill me. Especially a nice boy, jeez. You're lucky you have such a practical girl!
My boy on the other hand is an unknown and he’s male. I’m a little worried that maybe the average teenage boy’s brain is not totally participating when making those decisions. I also worry about him falling prey to some girl’s manipulations.
Having taught high school and witnessed a lot of adolescent male and adolescent female behaviors and interactions, here was my experience.
Girls: at least once a week (usually more than once) some girl was in my class, tear stained face, sobbing to the likes of "I thought he LOVED me! Now he's with XYZ (other unworthy girl)! Can't he see I love him more than she does?! I'll never find someone else who cares for me like he did!"
Boys: DUmmmm dee dumm dumm.... You know what'd be cool? If I zip-tied my friend to his desk. That'd be so cool. *heh. heh. hehehehe.* No no no... wait, maybe we should turn his book bag inside out and put all his books back into his inside out book bag. You know, so he has to carry it in his arms instead of putting it on his back. *Practically wets himself laughing at his own brilliance*
*ROTFLMAO* Yeah, that pretty much sums up the reality of male-female differences right there.
Wow, Marn knows how to give that smack of reality.
Whenever kiddo sees someone from school or tries to explain to me who they are, it's always in reference to who they are seeing now or who they were seeing. As if this means anything to me. Not "The girl from my art class" or "The boy who bugs me in PE." It's "That's Justin's ex-girlfriend."
Who the hell is Justin?!
Almost daily now she'll look in the mirror, mention how good she looks, then lament, "And yet I don't have a boyfriend."
I'm going to need a large glass of rum now.
I must admit, the girls looked harder to parent than the boys at that age. Boys have lots of energy, but the drama, constant angst, well, it just seems for the most part to be missing.
There are exceptions going either way, of course. The girl who doesn't care at all. The guy who's completely involved in all the relationship issues. But as a whole.....
Well, maybe we should market a brain wash. Oh, that's what the rum is for!
I know when my great niece was born, her father said something about now he knows what a shotgun is for. I would not want to be the boy asking that little girl for a date! Jer is a big man!
There just has to be a way for sex and tension to exist side by side on a show. As much as the 'dream' sequence in Bones drove me crazy, it did it... So you could picture them as a couple and still doing what they do...
I do love how Carter isn't the genius, but he saves the day more times than not in the show.
Well, and the train trauma.
BTW - I'm with Irish on the idea that once our favorite characters get together, the show ends. That's why Bones makes me nervous. There is the "Alright already!" aspect to it, but if they really did put them together, the show would end. Or at least that's my fear. :)
Castle seems to be doing a good job of keeping the tension, but I think they went a little far with Beckett actually crying over him at the end of last season. A little too early for that.
Chance - I love how it's always Carter saving the day too. I really like his character in general. All of them really -- it's a good show! lol.
I wonder about Bones, if they could pull it off even after Bones and Boothe got together. I liked the dream episode too, and I think they *could* do it. But 9 times out of 10, I don't feel like it works.
amen. He can't possibly stay the head of Global, right?
If only they'd kill of Fargo...
As far as sexual tension and a TV couple, Michael and Fiona have had sex and there is still plenty of tension...
And probably...Tony and Ziva did it in Paris. Tim and Abby were a couple... Hodges and Angela...
Just saying! I think it can be done. What about MacMillan and wife? How many seasons was that on? And Hart to Hart? (Or whatever that show was called...)
And yes, send Fargo to the North Pole or something.
I think the characters having sex and actually being a firm couple is two different things. And some of these work because they were secondary characters. But I have to admit Hart to Hart worked. I grew up watching that show.
Ah, but those were simpler times. LOL!
True, if they did that show today, it would Hart to Hart to Fred, the vampire.
Michael and Fiona do work. Now they seem to be at the point where they're together mostly, if not fully. They're having exclusive sex, at least :)
Definitely good examples. I *can* happen, for sure.
Writers just have to stretch themselves to make it work without the threat of a third person. I mean, keeping a relationship going when involved in a stress or tense profession should be enough. They are just lazy and want to just figure after the sex, it's all over.
Philistines!
I love when Chancey finds a cause. LOL!
I'm off for the night and won't be around much tomorrow so have a lovely Friday, my wenches!
Yes, one of my soapboxes, true! First, sex for the seniors, next adventures for the married. After that? Hmmmmm! I'll have to figure it out!
"adventures for the married" - I love it!
Yes, adventures for the married that can, but doesn't necessarily, involve a third (or more) person.
And since I don't write contemporary, it won't be adventures involving child rearing. Though it could... Hmmmmm!
I thought that how they got together was great--because it was very in character for them. They had become each other's best friends and were worried about ruining that. They had kissed passionately which was awesome and then had some worries about that. They've both been shown to take their responsibilities as parents extremely importantly (and Allison's son is now actually communicating in this reality so it makes it even more of an issue for her). Neither seemed like the sort to get drunk and fall into bed with their best friend, so I loved that they handled in a character-appropriate fashion.
Good points, Bethany. I agree with them all. Thought the whole bit with her son provided a very interesting question... If they could return as it was, would she want to?
I sorta liked Old Spice, but never saw him as a real rival to Carter.
Sorry, pirates...if you don't watch the show I know you don't understand...
I also wonder what will go on with Joe and her once-a-honey...Zack.
Hi Bethany!
You're right that the writers did a great job of keeping them in-character. I may be the only fan who had a problem with it - even my husband looked at me like I was crazy when I tried to explain what I was writing about today! I also liked your point about them being best friends -- they have a very long history of being able to be so honest with the other. I would have hated to see that sacrificed just for the drama factor.
If they could return as it was, would she want to?
This is where I wonder if the real drama will come from later. If they have to go back to the original time-line, would they still be together? Or would their memory have changed? So many questions :)
I just can't imagine her going back to where she couldn't communicate with her son. But they haven't even begun to explore the alternate timeline and what else has changed.
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