Fuller House Debrief

Everyone knows my love for “Full House.” Upon looking back at the show that made my childhood so special, I’m pretty sure this was the first show that started my obsession with television; so you can blame my TV-colored glasses on “Full House.” Yes, the show was corny and (in my case) cringeworthy when it came to a lot of Michelle scenes (I fast-forward through most of her scenes) but at least it’s a show that the family could watch together. In today’s world of nothing-on-TV-but-dramas, I can’t think of one show where you can do that.

It was also the first show where I actually cried over a breakup of a fictional couple. Now the fangirl that I am, I cry when any of my favorite couples breakup, and/or (in many cases) one of them dies. I still remember that episode when D.J. & Steve climbed up a mountain together and then everything went downhill from there. And D.J., with tears in her eyes said her final words of that breakup with, “I’ll be OK.”

After binge-watching all 13 episodes of “Fuller House” with my mom for 6 hours straight the day it came out on Netflix, it brought back all the good feels. So here are some of my reactions of what I thought was, for the most part, a fitting reboot. Or, according to Jeff Franklin & the cast of “Fuller House,” NOT a reboot.

Most Surprising:

1. Jodie Sweetin back as Stephanie Judith Tanner

I always said that Jodie had the best comic timing out of the 3 daughters; I remember reading an article where John Stamos said the same thing. She was a natural starting at age 5. Turns out, she still has the best comic timing. After all she has been through in real life (drug rehab, multiple marriages and kids), I was worried about her the most. She also hasn’t done much acting since “Full House” and I was certain she and Andrea Barber would have a tough time getting back in the groove of things. However, I could not have been more wrong. From the first moment Jodie walked into the kitchen for her first entrance, she WAS Stephanie Tanner; it’s like she never left. Unlike the other cast members, she never broke character. I was also shocked to see that she was much better with D.J.’s kids than Candace was (and in real life, Candace is the poster child for most perfect mother with the best family ever).

Where Stephanie Is Now: She’s a struggling singer who also “D.J.’s” on the side. SPOT ON. Though I kinda wish she ended up as a dancer (she danced in real life as a kid), because of the way she grew up, and her body type (let’s not discuss those big boobs she had done), I can understand why they didn’t go the dancer route. At least she did end up doing something in the music and arts industry.

Stephanie’s Best moment: In what may have not been scripted, D.J.’s baby kept looking up at the ceiling. She took his lead and decided to do it with him. It was a great bit. I wonder if Jodie ad-libbed some lines in those scenes. After all, you never know what babies will do next on camera!

2. Harry’s Return

Aww, talk about a big surprise! I read spoilers before watching “Fuller House” (I couldn’t help it) but there was never one on Stephanie’s first husband returning! Even though a different actor played Harry (bummer the original kid said no), he’s still such a cutie! Even though those two don’t have much in common now, is it wrong that I kinda wanted Harry & Stephanie to be hubby and wife for real this time?! After all, the guy would be good for her.

Disappointments:

1. Kimmy Gibbler & Family

They spent WAY too much time on Kimmy Gibbler. What happened to the good old “Full House” days when she would pop her head in a couple of scenes and leave?! It was pretty clear that Andrea Barber doesn’t act anymore. She did her best I suppose, but she was trying WAY too hard to be funny. Her overacting got old after a couple of episodes, and her annoying ex (and then husband again) was even worse. Her daughter did remind me of Kimmy when she was younger, so it was good casting. I could have done without Kimmy altogether. She didn’t annoy me this much in “Full House.” After all, my favorite line she ever said was, “Speaking of grips. You boys better get one.” I miss the old Kimmy Gibbler.

2. The last episode

Jesse & Becky renew their vows and not even their own twins show up?! I guess they forgot that Danny was also Jesse’s brother-in-law and he didn’t show up either. Yeah, yeah, I know. Bob Saget was doing a Broadway show and had scheduling issues.

My other issue with the last episode is that they spent way too much time on Kimmy’s wedding that Jesse & Becky got pushed aside and ended up leaving. And by the way, why did D.J. choose neither of those guys?! Thank God this show already got picked up for a second season because, you know, D.J. & Steve forever.

3. Danny & Joey’s Lack of Storylines

I know “Fuller House” is really supposed to be about the kids as well as D.J., Stephanie and Kimmy, but seriously. All they could do with Danny Tanner’s character was for him to come back and take a selfie with their couch?! It wasn’t even the same couch from the original set. He’s the father for pete’s sake! “Full House” started with him. I do appreciate though that he got the very first line of “Fuller House.” D.J. always had such a special relationship with her dad (they were the closest) and those two had one measley little scene together. At least Stephanie made him that rad Dad jacket. Oh, and why in God’s name is Danny married to some young woman who acted kinda slutty?! Not even a mention of Vicky?! Because everyone knows those two should’ve ended up together. That was an outrage.

All we know about Joey is that he lives in Las Vegas and has a much bigger Mr. Woodchuck. No, that’s not a metaphor. However, did everyone catch that wedding ring he was wearing?! Or was that his wedding ring in real life he just didn’t take off? As usual, Dave Coulier got gypped again. Out of the 3 guys, “Full House” did always give him the least amount of storyline possible; we really didn’t know THAT much about him anyway. Well, at least the guy still hasn’t grown up in “Fuller House.” No surprise there. And quite surprisingly, he’s aged rather well!

Props to Joey though for locking up the kids’  cellphones in a drawer and breaking out the water guns and board games. And it worked! Love him for that.

4. John Stamos playing…John Stamos

John Stamos prides himself in telling everyone that “Fuller House” was mainly his idea. After all, he’s the one who first announced this was going to happen on Jimmy Kimmel. Um…Jeff Franklin is the creator and writer. He’s the one who really did this. Not John Stamos. So, since John made himself a producer, he apparently got to do whatever he wanted. Besides saying his catchphrase, listening to an Elvis song, and singing “Forever,” we didn’t see as much Jesse Katsopolis as we could have. Other than that cute scene with the baby (Uncle Jesse was always a sucker for babies), wasn’t he just playing himself?!

Maybe it’s just me who has a problem with John’s ego. He also said the scene where the cast looks at the camera after Danny mentions Michelle’s absence was his idea, too. Whatevs. And he was the first to announce a second season. Whatevs again. Letting go…

5. D.J. & Steve’s occupations

I was on board with Kimmy becoming a party planner. And Stephanie becoming a musician/DJ, but D.J. ended up becoming a vet?! I’m not sure where that came from. Although, after”Full House” ended, I really did think she would end up becoming a doctor. She had the smarts. I’m just not sure how the vet thing came about. Was she even that close to Comet as a kid? Michelle for sure was. Michelle becoming a vet is definitely more believable.

Oh, and Steve became a podiatrist?! What the—? Was this just a nod to Kimmy’s stinky feet that were always made fun of in “Full House?” It would’ve been even funnier if Kimmy became a podiatrist. But alas, the writers don’t ask us fans. I personally thought Steve would end up a big shot in L.A. After all, he was so excited to be there when his film teacher asked him to go (as stated in that sad episode when D.J. & Steve broke up). That would’ve made more sense.

6. The “costumes”

Was there no costume designer? Did the actors get to wear what they wanted? ‘Cause it sure looked that way. Even though I have strong liberal beliefs, I dress conservatively, so people who know me won’t be surprised by this comment. This is supposed to be a family show. I was prepared for the revealing tops with Stephanie because she ended up becoming the wild one (plus, Jodie obviously had a boob job) but I was disappointed in D.J. the most. She’s supposed to portray a decent veterinarian mother; so why was she wearing stiletto heels around the house? And that slutty black dress she wore in the second episode? She’s a widow–not a 15-year old teen. The one good thing I could say about Kimmy? Her outfits were decent (in that they weren’t revealing).

Best Moments:

1. D.J. & Steve

Why all the Steve hate?! Why am I reading online that everyone is Team Matt?! Yes, D.J. was too good for Steve (maybe still is), but they were each other’s first love. Have a heart, people. They were by far one of the best (and one of my favorite) high school couples on TV. These two just took me down memory lane from the moment Steve set foot in the living room again. And how did Steve get so funny? Props to Scott Weinger for being a comedy writer on TV (Did you know he writes for “Galavant” & “The Muppets?”). He knows funny. How about next season, Scott writes a”Fuller House” script?! I’m all for that. Plus, the reenactment of the scene from “Ghost” was one of the best scenes of the series. Candace & Scott still have such great chemistry. It’s hard to believe they’re not together in real life. Such sweethearts. #TeamSteve

2. The Olsen Twin jabs

You knew they had to do it. And wow, more than once. By the way, did people really even miss Michelle?!

3. D.J.’s kids

Honestly, I wasn’t too happy when I read that D.J. would have 3 boys. I smelled trouble. But I could not have been more wrong. All 3 of her boys are the cutest and fit right in with the cast. Not as annoying as I thought! And the middle child is JUST like Stephanie. I can’t wait to see more of them!

Biggest Tearjerker:

When Stephanie told D.J. that she is unable to have kids. Woah, what?! I wasn’t expecting that. Although, I never pictured Stephanie with kids. But like I said, in “Fuller House,” she’s great with D.J.’s. I guess they wanted one of the girls to not end up with kids (like Joey). Although from what I read, the show’s creator (Jeff Franklin) says Joey does have a family in Las Vegas but hasn’t been mentioned (yet).

This scene was so genuine and real. Both of these ladies had real tears in their eyes at the same time. That never happened in “Full House.” Candace was always the better crier. And if I have to choose between the two, she still is. This was such a sad, yet heartwarming moment when Stephanie really admits that she fell in love with D.J.’s boys. I guess it’s Cool Aunt Stephanie forever. Though I wouldn’t put it past her if she looks into adoption (if the show continues). Fans want Kimmy to serve as the surrogate mother. But I hope they don’t go there.

 

OTP (One True Pairing)–Best TV Couples

Since I got all of the bad couples out of the way, how about we move on to better and brighter things? Like the TV couples that give us the warm & fuzzies (or make our hearts go pitter-patter whenever I utter their names to those who probably think I’ve lost my mind).

Note: I originally was going to do 10, but I have so many favorites, I had to up it to 20. My apologies for such a long post. So much needs to be said about these beautiful couples! And if you disagree with any of them, I won’t take offense (well, except Lucy & Ricky. I may have to cut you).

1. JACK & KATE (“Jate”) / LOST

LOST ended 5 years ago and I still think about these two constantly. Before Jate, I had never “shipped” a couple as much as I did these two (before them, I had never even heard the word “ship” used as a verb). And it all started in season 3 with the “The Man From Tallahassee” episode. That genius game room scene covered more emotions in a 3-minute scene than all the Sully & Dr. Quinn scenes combined. This scene had romance, anger, sadness, a sprinkle of happiness, protectiveness, and sacrifice. Pretty much all the angst we enjoy with our favorite couples.

People ask me why Jack & Kate were it for me (rather than the dozens of other LOST couples I could have shipped–Sawyer & Juliet, Jin & Sun, Desmond & Penny, Charlie & Claire…) and the gist of it is: emotional chemistry. Matthew Fox & Evangeline Lilly just had it (and with Matthew’s intensity, he doesn’t have chemistry with every woman). Of course, they had the looks and the fact that they acted like a married couple in real life (“brother and sister relationship” my ass), but never have watched a couple where they could look into each other’s eyes and know exactly what one another was thinking. As the years went on, they even developed the same facial expressions, the same movements, and if Kate would start to form tears, Jack would follow right along with her. All it took was just a quick look and their tough exterior would fall down; they would melt into each other if they were butter (a sappy analogy, but still). Evi once said in an interview that they both made sure that they were always on the same page when rehearsing. Yes, Matthew might be a perfectionist and probably drove Evi crazy at times by demanding rehearsal time, but it was for the best. They both showed such a wonderful sensitive side for two characters who wanted to protect and care for each other. Though Jate technically did not “end up” with each other (RIP, dear Jack), they did in the afterlife; that’s all that matters. Jack and Kate were set up to end up together from their first momentous “stitch up” scene. And that’s one thing Damon & Carlton got right as writers. As they would say, just like all Jaters do, “Jate is Fate.”

Award: Fated Couple

2. CLARK & LOIS (“Clois”) / LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN

What I loved about this show was it focused more on Clark than Superman. The movies and comic strips were all about the “truth, justice and the American way” superhero and Clark was just his disguise. But, by the show’s title, Lois’ name comes first; mostly because this show was created and written by women. Nevertheless, we could tell this show would be a more of a romance than a sci-fi, superhero show (after all, the special effects for Superman were sometimes laughable).

These two come VERY close to beating Jack & Kate as the best OTP of all time. I can’t get over the romantic comedy chemistry Dean & Teri had; no one else will ever come close. Teri Hatcher & Dean Cain still deny they ever dated in real life, but really? Maybe they were just really good actors, which could’ve been true, too. What more to say, but I think everyone agrees with me on this one; they were simply the best (and cutest) Lois and Clark ever.

Award: Best Chemistry

3. RICKY & LUCY / I LOVE LUCY

I mean, how can I not put these two on this list when I Love Lucy’ is my favorite comedy?! Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz started this show to save their own marriage. And it kept them going for 9 years until they divorced the day after the last episode aired. Lucille & Desi both said in interviews that they received letters from fans saying, “You saved my marriage.” Who knew a fun, screwball comedy could be that powerful? But it still is and even to this day, people still love and adore this show. I think this is the most popular show of all time that has had the most staying power. “The Handcuffs” is in my opinion, one of the best Lucy & Ricky episodes. I believe Lucy ad-libbed “Don’t tickle my feet” because she seemed surprised and started to laugh (this was back when they didn’t do many reshoots; if you messed up, too bad!). The first couple of seasons were great because the scenes were mainly just the two of them (interspersed with our favorite next door neighbors). But once they got out of the apartment and traveled, the guest starts flooded in (which was great, too). This is always my go-to show when I’m feeling down and it immediately cheers me up. What would the world have been like without Lucille Ball? With the help of Desi, this show really was the pioneer of television.

Award: Funniest couple

4. PETER & OLIVIA (“Polivia”) / FRINGE

Though it is quite sad that Joshua Jackson & Anna Torv didn’t get along much in real life (towards the end they didn’t and we don’t know why), Polivia is the definition of an “epic” couple. I’m not sure if the writers actually planned to get Peter & Olivia together (in the first season, they wrote them as more of a sibling relationship), or if it was the fans who wanted it more than they did. Nevertheless, the second season finale made history when Olivia told Peter to come back with her to our universe “because you belong with me.” And that line (including a sweet, brief kiss) is what made me jump on the Polivia bandwagon and I became obsessed with this show. It’s hilarious when people ask Fringe fans what this show is about. There is a long pause, and a fan like me goes, “Uh…it’s about science, time travel, alternate universes, romance, father and son relationships, and a bunch of gross stuff…” Pretty much. This show was always called “The Little Engine That Could” by the cast and crew because it had a small cult following, but the fans are what saved the show for 5 seasons.

Peter & Olivia remind me a lot of Jack & Kate. JJ Abrams sure knows how to pick OTPs, doesn’t he? Ben & Felicity, Sydney & Vaughn, Jack & Kate, Peter & Olivia…such epic couples. But like Jack & Kate, Peter & Olivia were not overly lovey-dovey because it took them so long to open up to each other; both couples were tough, had difficult pasts, and therefore, put up walls. It was a shock when they would finally open up to each other and say something halfway romantic. The romance was a bit easier with Peter & Olivia because towards the end of season 3, Peter & Olivia took a little bit of time to examine their relationship every once in while. And in my opinion, some of the most romantic scenes on TV happened between Peter & Olivia (as brief as they were). When you have two amazing actors like Josh & Anna who have such heartfelt dialogue (thank you, writers), their scenes together just tugged at my heartstrings.

Award: Meant to Be in any universe

5. VAUGHN & SYDNEY / ALIAS

“We’ll find each other. We always find each other.” = best line ever. Like Jack & Kate and Peter & Olivia, these JJ Abrams couples are so epic, I just can’t handle it. They overcame so much– Sydney’s disappearance, Vaughn’s wife (don’t get me started), Vaughn’s so-called “death,”(whose name really wasn’t Vaughn), and a baby. Yeah, the last season sucked big time because Vaughn was supposedly dead for most of it while Sydney had to raise their child on her own. And they killed Vaughn off mostly because in real life, Jennifer Garner & Michael Vartan had broken up (dating your co-star: not always a good thing). But because fans were understandably outraged, the writers brought him back. And, surprise! He didn’t die after all. Let’s just pretend that entire 5th and final season didn’t happen at all.

Award: Best kick-ass couple

6. FINN & RACHEL (“Finchel”) / GLEE

This is the couple that could have been (both on TV and in real life) had it not been for a tragic death. Yes, Finn and Rachel were supposed to end up happily ever after (Ryan Murphy said so), but sadly, Cory Monteith made one fatal mistake one night in a Canada hotel room when he overdosed on drugs. He had just gotten out of rehab, too. I still don’t understand how a nice, good guy like Cory got messed up on drugs in the first place, but perhaps it’s best we don’t know the details of his constant battles with drugs and alcohol. Finn/Cory’s “The Quarterback” tribute episode was more about celebrating his life than focusing on death. So, let’s remember Finn & Rachel’s amazing duets (“Pretending” was when EVERYONE knew their relationship would change forever–both on the show and in real life) and how Rachel/Lea made Finn/Cory a leading man for the first and only time. RIP.

Award: Musically talented 

7. PRINCE CHARMING (DAVID) & SNOW WHITE (MARY MARGARET) (“Snowing”) / ONCE UPON A TIME

They are living proof of a couple who ended up getting together in real life (a baby and marriage all in one year), and they are another one of those classic, OTP couples that were destined to end up together from the very first episode. Though they both don’t have the classic movie star look (OK, maybe Josh Dallas does), they are cute just the same. As a LOSTie, they also remind me a little of Jack and Kate. Both couples at one point or another got “caught in a net” , Kate/Snow White were on the run and wanted for murder, and both couples said some of the same lines (“I hope you find what you’re looking for”). I guess Once writers Adam & Eddie, who also wrote for LOST, are still Jaters at heart. But let’s not forget Snowing’s most repeated line, “I always find you.”

Award: Dreamiest couple

8. CASTLE & BECKETT (“Caskett”) / CASTLE

Though I bet Nathan & Stana are not that great of friends in real life (I just have a sense), they sure do play a realistic, likable married couple. Like many of my other favorite couples, they were never overly lovey-dovey (unlike Lois & Clark), which I actually like better. It leaves fans wanting more; am I right? Even though it’s more than time for this show to end (all we need is a baby and we Caskett shippers are good), it has been a great run. I “always” (Caskett’s magic word) wanted them together, but I didn’t obsess over them until that episode when the first boss (AKA “Sir”) died. Beckett knew her best boss was going to die and Castle literally had to drag her out of that dark garage. I had never seen Castle be so sweet, attentive to her, and whisper “I am so sorry” when he had to cover her mouth to keep her from hysterically crying/screaming to save her life. Both Nathan and Stana have had some wonderful acting moments (especially Stana), but yet, not a one Emmy nomination–seems to be a theme for most of my shows & couples.

Award: Most supportive

9. LUKE & LORELAI / GILMORE GIRLS

I couldn’t get into this show until just a year ago– and I really only watched for Luke & Lorelai. Rory gets on my nerves and I never cared for any of her boyfriends; they made her stupid. But who doesn’t love Lorelai and her quick, witty humor (with a dose of pop culture mixed in)? This is another couple that took forever to get together. And they did for one brief shining season. Then it got all mixed up again. I mean, really? Luke has a daughter that shows up out of nowhere? Lorelai marries Christopher? The writers were really desperate to find ways to break the two of them up (perhaps because it’s rumored that Lauren Graham & Scott Patterson didn’t get along in real life). Well, at least they had one final kiss in the finale, even if we never got a Luke & Lorelai wedding. I demand a new finale for this show!

Award: Best witty banter

10. SULLY & MICHAELA / DR. QUINN: MEDICINE WOMAN

Sully was the only guy I liked with long hair. And now that he’s cut it, he doesn’t look the same 🙂 What can I say about these two, but another epic OTP. They were set up from the pilot to end up together when Sully glanced at Dr. Mike who had fallen in the mud in her pretty Boston dress. Jane Seymour actually admitted that she and Joe Lando dated briefly early on. And it totally shows; these two, for a family show, had some pretty risqué make-out scenes. And let’s not forget that wedding night scene on the train (“Sully, it’s not even dark yet”). These two are one of many couples that prove that opposites attract.

Award: Best Hair

11. NED & CHUCK / PUSHING DAISIES

For a couple who could never touch, Ned and Charlotte (or as he called her, “Chuck”) had such sweet chemistry. I hate that this show only lasted 2 seasons but I think people have come to appreciate it more in recent years since it’s been off the air. I miss this show everyday because it was so damn creative. No other show has come close to trying the fantasy-romantic comedy-murder mystery genre. Well, who could, really? As a writer, I love that the creator of this show thought outside the box. So thank you, Bryan Fuller.

Award: Most Delicate

12. ROSS & RACHEL / FRIENDS

Ross and Rachel were the “it” couple of Friends. After all, they were set up in the pilot to end up together. I mean, how else can you scream to the audience, “OTP!” when Ross says, “I just wanna be married again” and Rachel comes barging in the coffee house in a wedding dress?! There were a lot of fans who liked Monica and Chandler better (after all, they had a much smoother relationship), but I didn’t. I don’t think Monica or Chandler were every the same (or funny) once they got together. But Ross and Rachel were always the couple who the audience adored and wished would get over their “we were on a break” nonsense and get it together. They dated in season 2, broke up in season 3, and didn’t “officially” get back together (even a daughter didn’t change anything) until the last couple of minutes in the season 10 finale. Dang. It really did take Ross 20 years total to “end up” with his crush.

Award: The one with the longest crush

13. BATES & ANNA / DOWNTON ABBEY

I have many favorite couples on this show–Matthew & Mary, Branson & Cybil, Lord & Lady Grantham, and (newly added!) Carson & Hughes, so it was hard to choose my absolute favorite. Though pretty much everyone would say, “why didn’t you choose the obvious–Matthew & Mary?”, what I loved about Anna & Bates from the pilot was when Anna showed such kindness to Bates from the beginning when no one else from the downstairs people would. As opposed to Matthew & Mary who bickered at first, Anna and Bates cared about each other since day one; this is one couple who did not take long at all to fall in love. However, I would say this couple takes the cake on TV couples that have had the most tragedies happen to them; with one season left, it’s hard for us to find any more hope on them finding lasting happiness in their marriage. Murder trials, rape…geez louise, how much more can this couple go through?! But, I suppose that’s why I love these types of couples. No matter how much crap they put between two people, they always find a way to make it through–and love each other every step of the way.

Award: Tragic couple

14. DEREK & MEREDITH (“Merder”) / GREY’S ANATOMY

He was nicknamed McDreamy for a reason. He’s every girl’s dream guy; a cute doctor with great hair? Yes please! Though I didn’t like that this relationship started with a one-night stand, Derek was patient with our “dark & twisty” Meredith and waited for her to get over her commitment, trust, and mommy and daddy issues. They eventually got married (via post-it) and had 2 kids. Out of all my favorite couples, these two definitely had the most steamy scenes (the exam room scene at the prom?! We all needed a splash of cold water after that). I think it helped that they had such explosive chemistry because Patrick Dempsey & Ellen Pompeo were great friends in real life. Too bad Shonda Rhimes decided to kill off Derek this season when Patrick asked to get out of his contract; thank God I don’t watch this show anymore. I hate it when they kill off one half of the main couple. And in American television, that’s when ratings go down; mark my words, this show will last one more season. Look what happened to ALIAS. Killed off Vaughn=end of show.

P.S. This Derek monologue makes me melt every time. Now HE is a romantic hero!

Award: Hottest couple

15. JIM & MAGGIE / THE NEWSROOM

Yes, Don and Sloan & Will and Mackenzie were great, too. But I’m picking Jim & Maggie because we got a first meeting in the pilot; and I knew it was going to be something great. Plus, they were the characters that were immediately likable for me; it took me a few episodes to warm up to the others. What helped Jim & Maggie’s instant chemistry was that John Gallagher Jr. & Alison Pill had already done movies together, so it didn’t take them long to warm up to each other. Of course, Jim & Maggie dated around a little, but they finally came around in the finale and were like, the cutest (and smartest) couples ever. After all, they can nail the quick banter as much as Luke & Lorelai.

Award: Smartest couple

16. MIKE & RACHEL / SUITS

Mike & Rachel have had their ups and downs, but compared to Harvey & Donna (who still refuse to admit their true feelings for each other and I’ve given up hope), they’ve had a fairly stable relationship the past couple of years. Let’s just pretend the horrid Rachel “cheating” storyline did not happen. I don’t know who would win between the best hot “did it” scene– Mike & Rachel or Derek & Meredith! But other than those couple of times in the file room, Mike & Rachel try to keep it professional at work. It’s a no-brainer that the award for this couple should be “Best Dressed.” Mike finally knows how to wear an expensive, stylish suit (no more skinny ties!) and Rachel…well, she always looks good in any dress she wears. I love the scene where they first meet. Rachel insists she is not interested in him in that way, but that changes pretty quickly. Plus, Mike’s “I Love You” whisper is hilarious.

Award: Best Dressed 

17. NOEL & FELICITY / FELICITY

This is one of just a couple of my favorite couples who actually did not end up together. When I watched this show in high school, I was young and thought Felicity should end up with Ben (as she did) because let’s face it, what girl my age did not have a crush on Scott Speedman? But, after I matured and made my friends watch the series with me in my dorm room in college, I thought, “Wait a minute. Noel is her soulmate (or perhaps my soulmate?!). He treats her right, always had feelings for her, and is so much like her.” However, this is probably the only love triangle in TV history where I actually liked both guys. Ben & Noel were good for Felicity in different ways, and even though I still hope the ending will turn out differently in that Felicity decides it’s Noel she should be with, I stop and think, “well, Felicity WAS in love with Ben from day one.” And if Ben had signed my high school yearbook that way, I would have followed him to New York, too! However, Noel was better at the witty banter scenes with Felicity that Ben was. It was a fun ride while it lasted (whenever I think of Boggle, the Magic 8 ball, dart guns and time capsules, I think of Noel). I still don’t think Noel ended up 100% happy since Felicity chose Ben for the hundredth time over him. Yeah, he married Zoey, but eh…they had to give Noel someone to end up with. But she was a dud.

Award: Most Alike

18. PAUL & JAMIE / MAD ABOUT YOU

One of my favorite married couples! I love Paul & Jamie so much; they’re funny, romantic, a bit neurotic, and clicked from day one. But they can also pull off serious scenes, too. I only watch the first 5 seasons because the show changed once they had a kid (and suddenly the show wasn’t funny anymore). I can’t be the only one who once believed Paul Resier & Helen Hunt were married in real life; they were just that believable as a married couple. Such passion for each other! This show was Paul Reiser’s baby (he created it, produced, wrote, and directed at times), but unfortunately, he never won an Emmy for best actor (which is insane). Helen won, and even though she was funny too, Paul was the greatest. Paul Reiser put both of them on the map; too bad neither of them have done much of anything memorable since.

Award: Most romantic

19. CLIFF & CLAIR / THE COSBY SHOW

Let’s put aside Bill Cosby’s allegations and focus on his character and relationship with Clair. Another favorite married couple, Cliff & Clair were, in Theo’s words, “all over each other.” Indeed they were! 5 kids and they hardly ever fought; if they did, they made up by the end of the episode. This was the first show (and correct me if I’m wrong) that changed the African American television show. Cliff Huxtable was a successful doctor and Clair a successful lawyer. Several other shows depicted African Americans differently, but this show was the pioneer. Cliff & Clair, childhood sweethearts, were always adorable and amazing parents. I hope when I am older and married, I have a relationship just like theirs.

Award: The Old-Timers Who Still Got It

20. FITZ & SIMMONS (“FitzSimmons”) / AGENTS OF SHIELD

This is a fairly new show and I probably shouldn’t be putting these two on this list (especially since FitzSimmons have been on the outs this current season), but they are pretty much the only reason I watch this show (sad, I know). While we’ve had several occasions where Fitz has told/showed Simmons that he cares about her, Simmons has stated on several occasions that he is only a friend. Boo. But watch THIS and tell me if he’s really “just a friend” to her. Because I don’t see it. They are just on cuteness overload–perhaps also because of the accents.

Award: Cutest couple

I’m Just Not That Into You: TV Couples Not Worth Caring About

Stay tuned for my next entry on my Top 20 Favorite TV couples, but I thought I would start with the most failed TV hookups (in my opinion, anyway). Because, well, they’re more fun.

1. Rumpelstilskin/Belle (Once Upon a Time): Their so-called “relationship” is wrong and incredibly uncomfortable to watch. I can’t pull the “ick factor” of “he’s way older than her” because Bates & Anna from Downton Abbey have quite a bit of an age difference, and everyone adores them. Rumpel and Belle simply lack chemistry (even when they changed the fairy tale on us where Rumpel was the beast). And let’s face it, kiddies. Rumpel will always be more attracted to power than any woman. Belle can do so much better. I love this show but the writers need to learn that you can’t “hook” (no pun intended) everyone up with each other. Yes, part of the story is about romance and True Love’s Kiss, but that’s not all fairy tales are about. They’re about discovery, imagination, and going on a journey to find out who you really are and what you are capable of.

2. Sawyer/Kate (LOST): I may get tons of hate mail, but I NEVER understood why these two were such a popular couple. They have sex a couple of times and that automatically makes them a meaningful couple? I know Kate & Sawyer both bonded over having such tragic, criminal pasts but umn…other characters did too (Sayid? Ben? Ana-Lucia?). There are “Skater” fans out there who still can’t believe they didn’t end up together. I mean, really? Were we watching the same show? Sawyer & Kate’s cage-sex scene completely ruined that relationship for me. It was cheap, dirty, and was the worst excuse for Kate to “choose” someone that the writers had been pimping before the third season started. Kate basically thought, “Oh.  Sawyer’s gonna die. I might as well get one ride out of him to say goodbye.”

It was hard to like Kate after that because her character lacked depth and up until the fifth season, she was just chasing after two guys (Woah. Felicity flashback). Another pathetic Kate and Sawyer scene (and Evangeline Lilly agreed this was not Kate’s best moment) was in season 3 when she saw Jack eating dinner with Juliet and crawled into Sawyer’s tent to forget about it. Now I’m not saying that her decision to go into Jack’s bedroom and have sex with him to forget about giving up Aaron was a bright decision either (season 5 was just weird in general). But Kate had this mindset of, “just find the nearest man in order to forget about something that hurts.” I kept having to tell myself, “It’s just her character. Her impulsivities are what get the better of her.” Once she got away from the “Woah is me” Jane Austen-like character and instead focused more on finding Claire to bring her home to Aaron, then I could appreciate the few scenes she had left with Sawyer.

3. Sayid/Shannon (LOST): This is another couple I had a huge problem with. They are the classic example of “We’re alone on a deserted island with no hope of rescue. Might as well get together.” As Ana-Lucia once told Jack, “It’s what people do.” But to have these two “end up” together in the afterlife was just wrong. I would have rather seen Boone & Shannon end up in that church together (OK, maybe not). I just don’t get it. After ALL the emotional turmoil Sayid was put through after losing Nadia in 3 timelines (flashbacks, flashforwards, and in the afterlife), he decided Shannon was the one he was meant to be with?! I saw absolutely no depth to their relationship. I’m still not OK with the explanation that Sayid “chose” Shannon because he finally came to terms with the fact that he wasn’t good enough for Nadia. Please. I love you Sayid, and you totally could have made it work with our girl Nadia. He didn’t have to lower his standards for Shannon. Shannon could have been like Boone or Locke and just sat in one of the pews by herself. Nuttin’ wrong with ‘dat! It would have made MUCH more sense for her to end up alone, since Shannon used guys for a living, anyway. All the characters actually learned something about themselves. Besides learning to live without her brother’s assistance, she didn’t learn much else from living on that island.

4. Vaughn/Lauren (ALIAS): I get that they had to get Vaughn together with someone after the Season 2 cliffhanger when Sydney finds out she’s been missing for 3 years. But for God’s sake, at least find him someone he had some chemistry with. Yes, Vaughn & Lauren were both CIA agents, had jobs to do, and couldn’t be all lovey-dovey, but at least try to be believable as a married couple. Lauren actually had better chemistry with Sark the couple of times they fooled around. I just can’t believe it took Vaughn an ENTIRE season to find out she was evil. I mean, the guy isn’t THAT gullible. OK, so it was another way to push back the Sydney/Vaughn storyline for yet another season, but that was ridiculous. Even after Sydney & Jack knew from day one Lauren was a liar, he STILL couldn’t believe it for another 20 episodes.

5. Joey/Rachel (Friends): The writers were obviously running low on new storylines (who wouldn’t after 8 seasons?) and with Joey & Rachel’s characters, they thought, “They’re already really good friends; they live together. Why not?” When Joey and Rachel went out (for what, a day?) they brought out the dumb in each other. We all know Joey was dumb (yet we liked him that way), but really, Rachel? I thought she had more sense. But it’s pretty clear the writers were just killing time and throwing in another obstacle for Ross & Rachel– until the very last episode when they finally ended up together. I just love the fact that Joey claimed Rachel was the first woman he ever loved, but he sure got over her fast in the next episode when they both knew it would never go anywhere. Plus, that relationship was never even mentioned again. Seriously. Did ANYONE like Joey & Rachel?? Let’s just pretend their hookup never happened.

6. George/Izzie (Grey’s Anatomy): UGH. I don’t even have the energy to waste time talking about this couple. But someone has to. THE biggest mistake of this show (and there have been many). I get that sometimes writers write romantic storylines based on couples who have good chemistry in real-life (Patrick Dempsey & Ellen Pompeo are living proof). Everyone knew Katherine Heigl & T.R. Knight were BFF’s in real life; they were inseparable. But that doesn’t mean you need to put their characters together just because you’re running out of storylines for them. It was weird enough seeing T.R. play a straight guy so he didn’t have romantic chemistry with any woman on that show. But when you add his best friend Izzie when he’s already married to Callie…just no. After they dragged out how much Izzie was so in love with him after just one night of drunken passion, I get why Shonda Rhimes wrote it. She was trying to point out that romance doesn’t always work between best friends. But it was literally the dumbest and most pointless storyline ever. And it ended like this. “So we had sex again and we were sober. It was awful. Let’s break up.”/“Yeah. Sounds good.”

7. Sam/Diane (Cheers): Now hear me out on this one. I know this couple may be listed on some of those “Best TV Couple” polls and they were quite popular, but I had a hard time believing they were actually in love. Talk about polar opposites to the extreme. To me, it was just a physical relationship (as all the couples I dislike tend to be). Sam was obviously not on Diane’s intellectual level. Frasier was, but those two would have driven each other crazy. Though Sam & Rebecca never ended up together either, it was more amusing watching them than seeing Sam & Diane constantly argue; that got old fast.

8. Santana/Brittany & Sam/Brittany (Glee): As you can see, I’m not a Brittany fan. I love to watch her dance, but once she opens that mouth of hers, I cringe. It’s not that I have a problem with a lesbian couple, but why Santana? I don’t care for her either, but at least Santana has got some sense (at least I thought so). What was the point of her falling head-over-heals in love with Brittany, anyway? Hello. Brittany also dated Artie and Sam (but then those relationships were never mentioned again, which seemed to happen in this show). Sam may have loved Brittany at one point (after all, he wanted to go and look for her when there was supposedly a school shooting going on), but he bounced back. All of a sudden once he started dating Brittany, he got even dumber than he was before. Really?! Brittany made Joey Tribbiani look like the President and that’s saying a lot.

9. Meg & Chris (American Dreams): You may not remember this show, but it’s one of my favorites of all-time. The time period, the cast, and the music on American Bandstand is what was so great about it. But I blame this short-lived TV show on the last season, because A) they got away from the American Bandstand fun and B) Chris came in. After Meg stood up for herself in the second season by protesting against the war (she even got arrested for it), Meg ended up being the strongest female character in the show. But then this idiot Chris came in and with his bad boy quality, sweet talked Meg into running away with him to Berkley so he could get away from his draft notice. Meg sure did lower her standards once she went out with him (and apparently these two had a brief relationship off-screen as well). After all, Meg lost her virginity to him. Unfortunately, we’ll never know if Meg actually ended up with Chris or not since the show abruptly got cancelled. But I can see the reason why the ratings were low that last season.

10. Love triangles in general: They’re just there to create unnecessary drama because writers tend to stir up the triangles for higher ratings. Even though I admit that they’re amusing to watch at first, they end up being frustrating as hell. So many shows drag them out and spend way too much time on the love aspect instead of actual plot lines (although I may not complain about this as much when it comes to some shows). Here are some love triangles where the woman could have chosen who she wanted to be with in about 2 episodes. And I blame J.J. Abrams–but not really.

1. Jack/Kate/Sawyer (LOST): And let’s not forget Juliet. That quadrangle got ridiculous after a while. But as a “Jater,” I finally got my happy ending (well, sort of). And for anyone who still can’t believe Kate chose Jack at the end (have you forgotten about the first stitching scene they always made references to), well, we need to have a talk.
2. Adam/Marjorie/Brian (What About Brian): Marjorie never could make up her mind so she ended up with neither of them. That’s one of the very few times that the girl chose neither. Eh, it’s OK. She got annoying, so thankfully she left the show in the second season.
3. Ben/Felicity/Noel (Felicity): They really did drag this one out until the very last episode. By that time, I didn’t really care who Felicity ended up with. OK, that’s not true. I’m a Noel girl all the way, but I can understand why she chose Ben. It was set up that way from the beginning.
4. Jake/Marley/Ryder (Glee): Even though Jake can be an ass at times, I think it’s pretty clear Marley will choose him. So why do they keep bringing in Ryder everytime Jake & Marley have a fight? Maybe because they have nothing else to do with his character?
5. Meredith/Derek/Addison/ Mark // Callie/George/Izzie (Grey’s Anatomy): This is pretty self-explanatory. I’m so glad those days are gone.

As an overly optimistic person, this post took an effort. But I had to get it off my chest sometime. Feel free to disagree and complain about any of these. Just give me some reasoning to back it up!