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Ever since I began writing fanfic and discovered that I wasn't the only one who enjoyed seeing characters put through the wringer it got me thinking...
Most TV shows seem to get more fixated on establishing romantic pairings (as well as filling the cast up with as many females as possible on some shows) than doing much else with its characters, and I've always wondered if romance and sex-scenes are really that popular or if the writers just assume they are. Since writing fanfic, taking part in discussions of shows, etc. it seems that people get more ticked off by romantic attempts than enjoy them, mostly because of who is paired with who, and other times because people simply don't want the complications romantic situations can bring to a show.
So between romance and whump, which is more preferable? And I'm talking about more actiony shows like Stargate, CSI, Supernatural and so on. If it's a show all about romance, well, that's kind of a given of what's preferred. But in the case of more action/mystery oriented shows, does the romance annoy more than entertain? Or is it the way the romance is handled that annoys. Or maybe because a show does too much romance and less whumping.
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Most TV shows seem to get more fixated on establishing romantic pairings (as well as filling the cast up with as many females as possible on some shows) than doing much else with its characters, and I've always wondered if romance and sex-scenes are really that popular or if the writers just assume they are. Since writing fanfic, taking part in discussions of shows, etc. it seems that people get more ticked off by romantic attempts than enjoy them, mostly because of who is paired with who, and other times because people simply don't want the complications romantic situations can bring to a show.
So between romance and whump, which is more preferable? And I'm talking about more actiony shows like Stargate, CSI, Supernatural and so on. If it's a show all about romance, well, that's kind of a given of what's preferred. But in the case of more action/mystery oriented shows, does the romance annoy more than entertain? Or is it the way the romance is handled that annoys. Or maybe because a show does too much romance and less whumping.
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I've never been able to stand romance. I hate sex scenes and sensuality for one - how loud the kissing always is (and in books I've always hated the descriptions used: "her creamy white thigh and full, sensual lips..." *shudders* Just writing that example made me want to puke) and how it comes across that it can't be romance until the two have ended up in bed together. I also hate all the complication - "I love her, I don't love her, I love her..." blah, blah, blah.
But what I've really hated is the way the romance can take over what should be an action or mystery focused show or story. And I honestly don't think viewers are as interested in it as writers think. Either that or lose interest fast when it keeps dragging out. Last season of Lost, for example, ended up losing a chunk of it's viewers in part because of the constant focus of Kate and Swayer and Kate and Jack. Too much shipping and people got sick of it. And the biggest fear people seem to have when it comes to changes in a show is the introduction of a new female character to be the love interest of one of the male characters, and vice versa.
I'm not anti-romantic, I just like it when the romance is more subtle. I like cute romances that, if possible, end with marriage or two people separated finally finding each other, hopefully without it leading to them sleeping together. And it is possible to have romance in something without it leading to sex.
But I'm more happy when the romance is more a side thing than a focus. The presence of romance is fine, just so long as it doesn't dominate and turn the story or show into a soap opera.
But what I've really hated is the way the romance can take over what should be an action or mystery focused show or story. And I honestly don't think viewers are as interested in it as writers think. Either that or lose interest fast when it keeps dragging out. Last season of Lost, for example, ended up losing a chunk of it's viewers in part because of the constant focus of Kate and Swayer and Kate and Jack. Too much shipping and people got sick of it. And the biggest fear people seem to have when it comes to changes in a show is the introduction of a new female character to be the love interest of one of the male characters, and vice versa.
I'm not anti-romantic, I just like it when the romance is more subtle. I like cute romances that, if possible, end with marriage or two people separated finally finding each other, hopefully without it leading to them sleeping together. And it is possible to have romance in something without it leading to sex.
But I'm more happy when the romance is more a side thing than a focus. The presence of romance is fine, just so long as it doesn't dominate and turn the story or show into a soap opera.
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Date: 2007-09-24 09:28 pm (UTC)From:Opposite to that was what they are doing on NCIS - a character introduced as a romantic interest, but the romance slowly building, the character's characterization and background with it so that we come to like the character and relationship more. What NCIS is doing is more real, while what Numbers did was more like a pointless cheap shot for the purpose of sticking in some sensuality.