The Many Faces of Love

The time surrounding Valentine’s Day lends itself to discussion of romantic couplings. But we’ve done enough of that here this week, so let’s end with a look at some different kinds of love.

Here are five of my favorite fictional non-romantic pairings found on TV*:

1. Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani (Friends)

Best friends who lived together, enjoyed partaking in stupid activities together, fought, made up, mimicked each other and were always ready in hard times with a helping hand and a well-timed joke. 

2. Daria Morgendorffer and Jane Lane (Daria)

A couple of outsiders who became fast friends due to their similar world views and love of deadpanning sarcastic quips. No matter what happened to them in that strange little town of Lawndale, there was never any doubt that they would remain freakin’ friends.

3. Willow Rosenberg and Xander Harris (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Though in the earlier years there was occasionally some cause for question, it was pretty clear these two were never going to be walking down the aisle. But this certainly doesn’t mean they didn’t find true love in each other. It can’t be forgotten that it was their friendship alone that managed to bring Willow back from darkness and save the world. If that’s not a strong relationship, I don’t know what is.

4. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls)

A mother and daughter who not only loved each other, but truly liked each other. They didn’t spend time together because they felt obligated to, but because it was what they wanted. There were periods of disagreement, and sometimes even estrangement, but, much like the audience, they always knew that they would find a way to work through things. They were the most important relationship in their lives.

5. Michael and George Michael Bluth (Arrested Development)

In a family full of fairly quirky folks, these two kept each other grounded. There was no relationship that either valued more (even the FBI figured that out). Why? Because family is the most important thing. Or was that breakfast?

Have a great weekend, folks! See you back here on Tuesday.

*Because TV is one of the few mediums I haven’t discussed this week. So, it only seems fair.