Never say never
Deb Mikels
I realize the subject of the nature of M&S's relationship is a sore point
around here, but I've never written about it before, and was invited to
share my two cents. I'd like to propose that in addition to
relationshippers and anti-relationshippers, there is a third faction of
viewers, such as myself, who for lack of a better word I'll call
"fence-sitters." I can relate to both sides of this debate, and have been
known to "fall off the fence" sometimes, landing on one side or the other
depending on my mood. I think my stance could best be defined by saying I
like the current relationship (minus the rift of early season three), and
that the relationship/UST is a big part of why I like to watch the show.
Sometimes I would love to see it go further, but I'll admit that if I got
my wish, I just might lose interest or be disappointed.
It's been refreshing to see a caring relationship based on trust and
respect portrayed vs. the usual instant gratification of most TV couples.
However, I'm also surprised that many do not want to see any growth or
development of the relationship. After all, such relationships are usually
not stagnant. Situations and people change. At, or near the end of the
show, it could be a natural extension to see M&S achieve a little
personal, as well as professional, fulfillment. A little happiness is long
overdue for both characters. Since many on both sides do not want to see
either character with anyone else, I'd rather see them end up together
than alone. This is why I'm surprised at CC and Company's latest campaign
to say as often as possible that M&S will never, never, never... get
together. Like it or not, this offends a large part of the viewing
audience (2 of 3 groups). We ALL support the show. After all, there is
such a thing as hope, and whether M&S ever actually get together or not, I
don't see the harm in allowing all groups of viewers to interpret the
relationship as they choose. Saying never has the same effect as actually
"doing it", since both take away from the suspense and interest of this
facet of the show. At least not knowing allowed everyone to continue
watching for their own reasons. It's forever debatable when and if they
should ever get together, BUT never say never. I know I might get flames
from both sides of this issue now, but I'll bet there are many viewers who
fall into the same category as I do. What's wrong with leaving the door
open?
Deb ("fence-sitter" alias "last-episode" relationshipper.)
i.e. Save the Best for Last (as sung by Vanessa Williams)
Parateam
Deb (evil fence sitter!!) writes:
<<It's been refreshing to see a caring relationship based on trust and
respect portrayed vs. the usual instant gratification of most TV
couples.>>
Couldn't agree with this more.
<<However, I'm also surprised that many do not want to see any growth or
development of the relationship. After all, such relationships are usually
not stagnant. Situations and people change.>>
I think that you're assuming because there are some of us who don't want
them to have a romantic relationship, that we are also calling a halt to
all development. This couldn't be further from the truth (speaking ONLY
For myself). I would be very upset if the relationship stagnated but I do
not feel that a romance is the *only* element that will keep the
relationship moving along. I'd hate to think that many of the 'Shippers
feel that the non-Shippers (for lack of a better term) don't respect and
care about the relationship as much as they do.
<<At, or near the end of the show, it could be a natural extension to see
M&S achieve a little personal, as well as professional, fulfillment.>>
Or not. ;-)
McGivney
On Jun 24, 1996 15:24:30 in article <Never say never>,
'dsmi...@mail.wiscnet.net (Deb Mikels)' wrote:
(snipped)
> I'd like to propose that in addition to
>relationshippers and anti-relationshippers, there is a third faction of
>viewers, such as myself, who for lack of a better word I'll call
>"fence-sitters." I can relate to both sides of this debate, and have been
>known to "fall off the fence" sometimes, landing on one side or the other
>depending on my mood.
>It's been refreshing to see a caring relationship based on trust and
>respect portrayed vs. the usual instant gratification of most TV couples.
>However, I'm also surprised that many do not want to see any growth or
>development of the relationship. After all, such relationships are usually
>not stagnant. Situations and people change. At, or near the end of the
>show, it could be a natural extension to see M&S achieve a little
>personal, as well as professional, fulfillment. A little happiness is long
>overdue for both characters.
. .
> never say never.
. .
>Deb ("fence-sitter" alias "last-episode" relationshipper.)
>i.e. Save the Best for Last (as sung by Vanessa Williams)
How many varieties of 'fence-sitter' are there? I'm sure that in addition
to the 'best-for-last sitters' there are
'damned-if-they-do-and-damned-if-they-dont sitters', 'apathetic sitters',
etc. Me? I don't know if i've invested enough emotion into this kind of
minute detail to actually label myself . . . I guess i would be a
'pro-holistic-benefit sitter' meaning that i want what's best for the show
as a whole, but don't know specifically what outcome that would be, and i'd
like to be surprised. :)
Catherine McGivney