What’s your favorite tragic TV romance?
To celebrate this month of love, we decided to (obviously) focus on some of television's most heartbreaking relationships
TV Features Gabrielle Sanchez Forrest
From bottom left: Ben Browder and Claudia Black in Farscape (Photo: Debmar-Mercury), Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim in Lost (Photo: Disney), Sonja Sohn and Melanie Nicholls-King in The Wire (Photo: HBO), Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz in Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Photo: FOX Entertainment), Annie Murphy and Dustin Milligan in Schitt’s Creek (Photo: Ian Watson/CBC) Graphic: Rebecca Fassola
Valentine’s Day—a made-up holiday, sorry to admit—has at least one benefit: It’s the ideal occasion to appreciate fictional couples and pop culture’s take on romance in every way. One of those ways is heartbreak, as no romance is complete without some tragedy, right? To that end, this AVQ&A asks: What’s your favorite tragic TV romance? (Favorite, admittedly, might be a weird way to put it but … you know what we mean.) Let’s take a deep breath, steel ourselves, and get into it.
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I will not stand for this Clarke/Lexa erasure!
Yes, as badly as The 100 ended — this was amazing.
I was gobsmacked at how badly ‘The 100′ treated one of its central characters. (SPOILERS) They killed of Bellamy – who is proved totally correct by the show’s own narrative – and even his sister is like, “Yeah, these things happen.”
It was possibly even worse than that since Bob was apparently having some mental illness issues and asked for a reduced shooting schedule (still doing all of his scenes, just with fewer trips from NZ -> VCR) which led to the showrunner fucking him over like that…(… or so the rumors go…)
Neither Clarke nor the show ever recovered from the unjust loss of Lexa
I remember when this season was airing and there were rumors about Dark Willow being the Big Bad.
Thing was we didn’t know at the time how that was going to happen.
Right?? To this day I don’t know which loss I think is more tragic, Fred or Tara.
With Fred not just dying but being wiped from existence – huge difference is a show with a canon afterlife – and Amy Acker still being hanging around afterwards to keep rubbing it in… Only regarding the character and not the relationship, I’d say Fred, for sure.
“Would you like me to lie to you now?” absolutely guts me.
Yes.And the ending to that was so tragic, and so terrifying, that you didn’t think Willow could come back from it…but she did anyway.Xander so often played the Zeppo, but he brought it where it counted.
The nanny
Shaw & Root
One of the big disappointments for me with the last season of Orange is the New Black is that they basically wrote off Soso, so we didn’t really get to see that much of how she recovered from the heartbreaking loss of Poussey
Went deep into nerdom with the Farscape reference but gonna go deeper with Babylon 5. Commander Sheridan and Delenn. In my youth, I’d probably not consider it to tragic. They eventually do get to be together and happy. The fact that they know that Sheridan will die(again) in twenty years is sad but didn’t feel like a tragedy. Teenage me watching the show was like “20 years, that’s a lifetime”. 44 year old me, who has been with my wife for twenty years, realizes for true soul mates, twenty years is not nearly long enough.
Or Ivanova/Marcus if you like ‘em unrequited…
This scene still gets me..All love is unrequited
If we’re talking Ivanova, I’m definitely going with the relationship that’s tragic mostly because the weren’t allowed to show it…
More nerdom deep cuts:
Daniel Jackson saying goodbye to his wife Sha’re in Stargate SG-1 “Forever in a Day”. (can’t find a clip)Sisko saying goodbye to his wife Kasidy at the end of Deep Space 9:
And don’t get me started on tragic romances in anime.
Another great one, made especially tragic by the show’s unjust cancellation on a cliffhanger: Ava and Beatrice on Warrior Nun
Yeah, I really wanted to see where they were going on that bonkers show.
Another suck a$$ cancelation just like Teenage Bounty Hunters.
It’s funny how similar in circumstance but different in tone the Fleabag/Priest and Alexis/Ted romances are. I have a hard time seeing either as tragic, because in the end the characters learned what they needed and found that in themselves. They left the relationships more complete people, better for having been with the other person. Fleabag stops looking for validation in others, notably shaking her head no and walking away from the camera/us at the end of S2. The priest re-confirms his calling and commitment. Alexis learns what it is to be valued in a relationship, and she learns how to be a supportive partner. Ted opens himself back up to love without idealizing the other person, and he spreads his wings. I like to think there’s a world in which Ted and Alexis find their way back to each other in a few years’ time. Fleabag and priest—nope, that’s done. And more’s the better for that. Their relationship, while it helped Fleabag grow, was hugely problematic from a power dynamic standpoint. That “kneel” scene that everyone swooned over gave me major ick vibes for how manipulative it was of Fleabag.
That’s funny, when I first watched the “kneel” scene I also thought it was manipulative, but of Hot Priest. In my mind, all she really does is open herself up to his prying questions, reveals that she wants to be “told what to do”, followed by him giving her the kneel command. When I first watched it I thought we were meant to see it almost as a villain reveal, following in the line of toxic relationships everyone in Fleabag’s family seems to be drawn to, like he was supposed to be her Martin/Godmother. I was very confused the next two episodes when that clearly turned out to be a misinterpretation. But it’s still such a sinister scene to me!
Oh, I think we’re on the same page—I didn’t phrase my initial post very well. I thought it was icky of the priest to do to Fleabag. He invited her into the confessional and asked her to open herself up, and she finally does that in a way that is, for once, non-sexual. And he takes advantage of that. He manipulates her. There is a moment there were he decides to do the wrong thing toward a woman in distress. I really, really don’t like how that scene goes down.
I realized after I responded that this was probably another case of misinterpretation, but yeah, I wish that scene had been different. Up to the point where he pulls back the curtain it’s such a beautiful moment, and I think what ensues after distracts from, rather than enhances it. I honestly thought it was about to become one of the most astute depictions of how someone falls into an abusive relationship. It all just made so much sense, with Fleabag being so vulnerable and mistreated by her family, certain lines of dialogue leading up to the scene that feel like foreshadowing, his alcoholism and his general waywardness. Part of me still can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t intentional at some point.
I would say both Alexis and Ted and Fleabag and Hot Priest are sad, but not tragic. Tragedy, to me, suggests ruin caused by people unable to avoid the consequences of their worst flaws. But, as you point out, the results for these couples are actually positive. Fleabag and Hot Priest gain understanding of themselves; Ted and Alexis go on to live the kind of lives they want, but apart from each other. It’s bittersweet because they all have to give up something they love, but it’s a long way from tragedy.
I’ve had the same semantic quibble re: “tragic” for the last two weeks regarding the third episode of The Last of Us. So many reviews characterize it as tragic, and I just don’t see it. It’s triumphant. Those two characters win. And they win on their terms. In the circumstances, it’s a huge victory and I don’t understand any of the reviews that frame it as tragic. The tragedy would have been the two not finding each other.
Once upon a time, there was a reformed agouti gerbil named Spike. Spike had lived a life of crime, scamming unsuspecting pet store customers with his smooth talk and clever tricks. But one day, Spike realized that his actions were wrong and decided to turn over a new leaf.Spike found solace in the comments section of the AV Club, where he could express his love for films and television without fear of judgment. But little did he know, the AV Club’s comments section was a hotbed of secret intrigue, filled with anonymous users who were not what they seemed.One day, Spike received a cryptic message from a user named “Shadowalker.” Shadowalker claimed to have information about a mysterious organization that was attempting to manipulate public opinion through online forums. Spike was skeptical, but intrigued, and agreed to meet Shadowalker in person.As Spike made his way to the designated meeting spot, he felt a sense of unease. He was being followed, he was sure of it. When he finally reached the location, he was ambushed by a group of masked figures. They revealed themselves to be agents of the mysterious organization, and they had been sent to silence Shadowalker and anyone who was helping him.Spike was no stranger to danger, but he had never been in such a precarious situation. He had to think fast. With quick thinking and quick paws, Spike managed to outwit the agents and escape. He raced back to the safety of his home, where he began to piece together the information that Shadowalker had given him.Spike soon realized that the stakes were higher than he had ever imagined. The organization was planning to use their control of online forums to influence the outcome of a crucial election. Spike knew that he had to act fast to stop them.With the help of his friends in the AV Club comments section, Spike launched a daring operation to take down the organization and expose their nefarious plans. The journey was fraught with danger, but Spike and his friends were determined to succeed.In the end, Spike emerged victorious. The organization was disbanded, and their plans were thwarted. Spike had proved that even a reformed agouti gerbil could make a difference in the fight against online manipulation. And the AV Club comments section was once again a place of honest discussion and witty banter.
Once upon a time, there was a curious and brave gerbil named Spike. Spike loved adventure and was always eager to help his animal friends in need. One day, Spike received a mysterious message from his rodent informant, Whiskers. Whiskers told Spike that there was a suspicious group of hamsters who were running an underground exercise wheel racket. The hamsters were forcing other animals to run on their exercise wheels for hours on end without rest, and they were not providing proper food or water. Spike knew he had to act fast to stop this injustice.Spike decided to go undercover as a hamster and infiltrate the racket. He worked hard to learn all the hamster lingo and customs, and even convinced the ringleader that he was one of their own. Spike quickly discovered that the ringleader, a large and fearsome hamster named Fang, was the mastermind behind the operation. Spike reported back to Whiskers with all the information he had gathered, and the two of them began to plan their next move.Spike and Whiskers knew that they needed to expose Fang and his minions, but they also knew that it would be dangerous. Spike was willing to take the risk, however, because he knew that it was the right thing to do. Spike snuck back into the exercise wheel factory, where he found Fang and his hamsters counting their ill-gotten gains. Spike was about to confront them when suddenly the door burst open and Whiskers appeared, along with a band of brave animal allies.A fierce battle ensued, but Spike and his friends were able to defeat Fang and his minions. They put a stop to the exercise wheel racket and rescued all the animals who had been forced to run. Spike became a hero among the animal community, and he was proud to have stood up for what was right.From that day forward, Spike continued to help animals in need and expose any injustices he found. He lived a happy and adventurous life, always ready for his next exciting adventure.
These Kyrie Irving burner accounts are getting crazy.
Beautiful story. I cry every time.
I tried to rewatch “Review” a few months ago, and was very much enjoying it until I got to the Divorce episode, and had to stop watching. It was too painful…
Pancakes/Divorce/Pancakes is my favorite episode
I love the absolute grim fatalism of him eating that second round of pancakes.
“Hey, you know you gotta finish these pancakes, right?”
The way Grant always bullies Forrest into completing a task is so funny
That is understandable, and probably a good choice, because friend, it gets so much worse from there.
I was already hooked by then, but that episode was when I first realized how great the show was going to be. It might be my favorite episode of any comedy ever. But I get what you mean.
“Would you like me to lie to you now?” Fucking still kills me just thinking about it.
Absolutely devastating. And it makes the punch that follows all the more satisfying.
Oh godammit
I am still furious about this. Seasons! Seasons of build up, ONE kiss at the very end of an episode, the very next episode she’s dead. Fuck off, show. I hate you and I love you.
And the show Angel screwed over Cordelia perhaps even worse! Apparently if the show had gotten another season they would have brought Fred back, as they did in the comics
Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler
Jesus – I read this article knowing that there was an obvious omission but just not being able to place what it was. Thank you.
Amen!
was a good show!
Catholic pastor That’s not actually a thing .(Pastor’s are protestant , the term isn’t used in Catholicism )Also although much as I love Andrew Scott as an actor , theres no way he’s ever played remotely straight in anything he’s in..
I like my Catholics al pastor.
American Catholics use the term Pastor for what the rest of the world calls parish priests
Ah ok , that explains it then , its one of those weird differences between American Catholics and international ones
I grew up Catholic, “pastor” is 100% used all the time in Catholicism.
FYI it seems to just be an American thing , I’m a (lapsed)Catholic , and in Ireland its a term that’s never used, and never really heard it elsewhere.
I grew up in a Catholic parish, we had pastors.
Code of Canon Law, Book II The People of God, Part II The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church, Section II Particular Churches and Their Groupings, Title III The Internal Ordering of Particular Churches, Chapter VI Parishes, Pastors and Parochial Vicars: https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/eng/documents/cic_lib2-cann460-572_en.html#CHAPTER_VI. Can. 515 §1. A parish is a certain community of the Christian faithful stably constituted in a particular church, whose pastoral care is entrusted to a pastor (parochus) as its proper pastor (pastor) under the authority of the diocesan bishop.
HOT TAKES:1. MOONLIGHTING – Dave and Maddie2. THE LAST OF US – Bill and Frank
Since I recently finished a rewatch of Cheers, Sam Malone and Diane Chambers was on my mind for this one. They had smoldering sexual chemistry together, so much so they left a trail of salt everywhere. But, that was basically all they had in common. It was never gonna work out. However, Sam ends it with an act of love, letting her go off to finish her novel. She says that she’ll be back in 6 months, but he knows better. The way Ted Danson said “Have a nice life” was so damn bittersweet.
not penny’s boat
Dave and Lisa, Newsradio.The fact that the show headed off the “will they/won’t they” curse by having the two immediately hook up in the first episode made their subsequent on again/off again adventures that much more involving.
Do Eleanor and Chidi count as tragic since they were already dead before they met?
The real tragedy is for all of us, not being able to see the timeline where Eleanor and Tahani were soulmates.
Truth.
Or Eleanor and the golden retriever.
and of course:
Goodbye sweetie
The whole ‘Farscape’ arc where there were two Crichtons and one dies could have been really cheap, a way to sort-of-but-not-really kill a main character for artificial pathos. But man, did they sell it, largely due to the performances. And when Aeryn tells the remaining Crichton that being around him is too painful because he’s not the one she’s been growing to love all this time, it packs a hell of a punch.
Almost forgot:
Chuck and Sarah:
No Renee Walker/Jack Bauer? BOOOO!
nothing beats the catastrophic destruction of Mark (Eric Dane) and Lexie (Chyler Leigh).Yes, but Lexie actually didn’t die, she shifted to an alternate universe and became Supergirl’s OLDER sister! Given all the dimension-hopping the Arrowverse did, I’m surprised Kara and Alex didn’t end up trying to explain what happened to Meredith Grey and company. Oh, and Owen? Is a Green Martian. To me, that’s canon.
“Would you like me to lie to you now?”Goddamnit …
Swear to God, part of the reason I like Whedon’s “Much Ado About Nothing” so much is because it essentially gives Wesley and Fred a happy ending.
James T. Kirk and Edith Keeler
Just recently rewatched this with my wife & step daughter- first time for them both, and both were absolutely moved to tears!! Talk about a gut punch!
It’s so, so well done. Well-written, beautifully acted…A few years ago I had some friends over to watch City, Space Seed and The Wrath of Khan and I too started tearing up even though I know City by heart. Kirk’s bleak delivery at the end—”Let’s get the hell out of here.” Man.
“He knows Doctor, he knows.”
A couple more candidates:Kubler-Ross-on-horseback drama Heartland has a couple of candidates (details omitted for those just catching up with the CBC show, which keeps trying to find a US audience.) Something really gets me about Jack Halford from New Tricks, even though the tragedy has occurred by the time of the action.
Best/most tragic-est TV romance: Carol Seaver & Sandy
https://growing-pains.fandom.com/wiki/Sandy
I know it sounds nuts, but a two hour episode of The Incredible Hulk from the late 70’s. Marriette Hartley played Carolyn Fields, she and David Banner fell in love and got married, but she ended up dying in the Hulk’s arms during a hurricane. I saw that over forty years ago, and it’s stuck with me all this time. Bill Bixby and Marriette Hartley had great chemistry together.
We’re missing two of my favourites:Burnley Ellsworth and Alma Garrett in Deadwood. Not romantic-romantic, but they made for a surprisingly strong, if tragically short-lived, married couple. Jack Foley and Karen Sisco in Out Of Sight.
Philip and Elizabeth Jennings. Whether their relationship is tragic or not is up for debate, but their lives sure were pretty damn miserable. The fact that they even eventually fell in love was really a stroke of luck or they just got so used to each other that there wasn’t another choice. Not after the kids, anyway. No matter what either of them truly felt, the mission always came first and up until the very end, there was still a significant amount of distrust between them because of said mission.Sure, neither of them died and managed to get back to Russia, but they effectively lost everything they had built for almost more than half of their lives. One of my many questions after the ending was: With Henry and Paige out of the picture for them, do the two have enough love between them to still stay together?
Elliot and Shayla on Mr Robot.
“Valentine’s Day—a made-up holiday, sorry to admit—”As opposed to all of the naturally-occuring holidays
This! All holidays are made up!
Gordo and Tracy Stevens on “For All Mankind,” no question. Thanks to great, subtle writing – the characters truly seem like real people in a real marriage – and also wonderful performances by Michael Dorman and Sarah Jones, I loved following their story, and its resolution had me in floods of tears (and I am not a crier-at-TV-shows as a general rule).