Prime-time romance is a funny thing. TV writers work their tails off to find two characters/actors who have undeniable chemistry (ie: Sam and Diane on “Cheers”) and then they go about trying to come up with ways to keep them apart. After all, the theory goes that once they’re together, the fun goes out of the whole thing (See: David and Maddie on “Moonlighting”).
Last night, you could see this dynamic playing out in two very different shows: “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Office.”
On “Grey’s Anatomy,” you’ve got Meredith and Derek, who, over two-plus seasons, have had a one-night stand, followed by a torrid afffair, followed by a painful breakup, followed by a breathless workplace romp, followed by … well, you get the idea.
Recently, Meredith found herself trying to pick between Derek and nice-guy vet Finn. But simultaneously, Derek was trying to be noble and step aside. (Oh, those clever writers!). And judging from the preview clips of next week’s show, he’s about to jump in bed with another woman. (Just call him McIdiot.)
The dilemma TV writers face is that, if they overplay their hand with this kind of on-again-off-again stuff, it can get old and frustrating pretty fast. I’ve talked with several “Grey’s” fans who say they just don’t care anymore whether Meredith and Derek get together. How about you? Are you still intrigued by their relationship?
Now, let’s turn to “The Office,” where you have a very different kind of relationship between Jim and Pam — one that theoretically isn’t at the heart of the show, but still packs a powerful allure. Jim and Pam were your typical workplace soulmates who enjoyed long chats and a flirty kind of rapport — even as she prepared to marry someone else.
That all ended when Jim finally made a bold declaration of love and kissed Pam in last season’s finale. Now the separation: Jim has moved to another regional branch and Pam has called off her wedding.
As viewers, we know they’re absolutely right for each other and we’re waiting for them to figure that out. Along the way, the writers have been brilliant in deftly handling the relationship — enticing us and teasing us while not going overboard with it. In many ways, the Jim-Pam pairing is one of the most intriguing and emotionally honest relationships we’ve seen on TV in years (and all without a moment of sex!). So much attention to detail. So many small, but very telling moments.
Last night’s show ended with a brilliant scene as the lovelorn Jim made an after-hours call to the office not thinking Pam would answer (or did he plan it all along?). They stammered awkwardly at the start (obviously so much has gone unaddressed), but then they gradually slipped into their old routine of easy chit-chat about a variety of things, with him calling her by her last name (Beesly). … Finally, when it was time to hang up, it got awkward all over again. Ah, such melancholy. Such perfection. Bring on some more.
So who are the TV couples who rock your world these days? What past TV relationships have you most enjoyed? Do tell.
