2010 Top 10 Young TV Ships as voted by YOU! - Portrait Magazine, February 2010 Issue
2010 Top 10 Young TV Ships as voted by YOU!
By Angela Lee
(Age: 22, Australia)
It’s Valentines’ Day this month, which more importantly signifies our favourite annual event - Portrait’s annual Top 10 Young Ships Poll! With over 18 000 votes this year and 60 different ships, voting in our 4th Top 10 Young Ships Poll was intense with ships moving up and down the ranks over the six weeks of voting right down to the final days of voting! Were last year’s #1 ship Gossip Girl’s Chuck and Blair able to hold onto the #1 spot? Or were long time favourites Nathan & Haley from One Tree Hill able to reclaim their crown? Or perhaps an entirely new ship manage to evade both of them and claim victory? Who’s in, who’s out? Read on to find out! Remember it’s about ships not couples so what matters is NOT who is together, but rather who you LOVE to see together, can’t wait to see GET together, or just wish would get BACK together! So without further adieu, Portrait presents to you the 2010 Top 10 Young TV Ships as voted by YOU!
DISCLAIMER: Portrait received a lot of feedback as to the ships that were selected for this year’s poll. Portrait would like to acknowledge the criteria used for ships to be eligible – BOTH members of the ship must still be a regular part of the show. It is for this reason that certain couples such as Clark & Lana from Smallville were not nominated this year. Portrait would like to also acknowledge that our poll is about TV SHIPS rather than actual couples.
#10. Noah ‘Puck’ Puckerman & Quinn Fabray [Glee] “You’re special and romantic.”
Puck and Quinn
The queen bee and the tortured hero’s best friend, both of whom like to antagonize those around them – sounds familiar doesn’t it? Debuting into our top 10 this year and reminiscent of hot favourite Chuck and Blair from Gossip Girl, Quinn and Puck have a special and rare sort of chemistry that draws fans in. Puck and Quinn could easily give Blair and Chuck a run for their money the way fans are increasingly devoted to Puck and Quinn right now! Quinn might want to stand on her own feet for now without a guy and prove herself, but there’s no denying that there’s definitely something there between them that won’t go away anytime soon. And like Chuck, Puck may seem like the bad boy, but when it comes to his leading lady he’s willing to let his guard down and show a gentler side to prove how much he cares. Puck and Quinn know each other and are free to be themselves around each other – how many times have you seen Quinn happy with Puck as opposed to when she’s with Finn? Unlike those around them, they don’t try and make them into something they’re not.
Classic Shipper Moment: Despite all the angst between these two, Quinn and Puck’s baking fight when they are making cupcakes for the bake sale, was an adorable and fluffy scene that had fans squeeing with joy.
Puck: It would be pretty awesome if it came out with a Mohawk. Quinn: You’re such an egghead. Puck: No I’m not.
- Puck and Quinn in 1x09: Wheels
Puck/Quinn Fanvid: With Me
#9. Rachel Berry & Finn Hudson [Glee] “I actually like the way you usually dress...sequined leg-warmers and stuff...”
Rachel and Finn
The stunning young ingénue and the leading man – it’s inevitable right? After all, fans have already been rewarded with a few kisses here and there, as well as some pretty shipper worthy moments, and these two aren’t even officially a couple yet! Yes these two are the Glee club leads, but there’s nothing stereotypical and clichéd about this pairing! The two have already steadily built a strong friendship where they have a mutual admiration and respect for each other. Rachel and Finn always have each other’s backs – supporting and encouraging each other, elements which are key to any relationship. They understand each other in ways that others can’t and are the ying to each other’s yang – Finn Is laidback where Rachel is intense and high maintenance. Rachel is smart where Finn is a little clueless. But never does Finn comment on Rachel’s diva-like tendencies, or Rachel on Finn’s lack of intelligence - they like each other just the way they are.
Classic Shipper Moment: There’s something sweet and magical that happens when these two get together and sing – they way they take each other’s hands and convey their emotions through song in every episode. It’s hard to narrow it down to one classic shipper moment for this pair, but highlights that immediately spring to mind include “Don’t Stop Believing”, “Somebody to Love”, and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
Rachel/Finn Fanvid: You Belong With Me
#8. Chloe Sullivan & Oliver Queen [Smallville] “You saved my life Chloe - both the myth and the man.”
Oliver and Chloe
He’s the hero that lost his way and she’s his guardian angel that saved him. It’s funny the way things turn out. Sure Oliver and Chloe have been working together since season six in the Justice League, but it’s only really been in the last season or two that they’ve gained a following with fans appreciating the potential between these two. Earlier on he helped her protect her mother, and so it was only fitting that when Oliver started to go on a downward spiral and live dangerously as if he had a death wish, that his very own ‘watchtower’ would be the one to trigger his wake up call. But never one to take all the credit, she points out that she’s not a hero and that the hero has always been inside him. The fact that she believed in him and didn’t give up when others would have has certainly fuelled the fire of this ship.
Classic Shipper Moment: Is it really any question? When Oliver expresses his gratitude to his guardian angel and she modestly brushes it off of course!
Oliver: The places that I’d sunk to, the depths that you must have had to go to bring me back. Thank you. Chloe: You proved it yourself. Even with your face in the gutter, you still had the hero in your heart. Oliver: You saved my life, Chloe – the myth and the man.
- Oliver and Chloe in 9x05: Roulette
Chloe/Oliver Fanvid: Two is Better Than One
#7. Penny & Sheldon Cooper [The Big Bang Theory] “When you understand the laws of physics, Penny, anything is possible.”
Penny and Sheldon
He’s the uptight, blunt and abrasive genius with no social skills. She’s the outgoing lovable waitress. But she’s no dummy when it comes to standing up for herself and challenging Sheldon – Penny gives as good as she gets. Not to mention she’s full of surprises – remember when she kicked Sheldon’s butt at Halo? Antagonizing, bickering and bantering aside, what also draws shippers in to these two is the fact that they were never intended to be together. Instead, Penny dated Sheldon’s roommate and best friend Leonard. Sheldon and Penny seemingly drive each other up the wall – remember when he snuck into her apartment one night while she was sleeping so he could reorganise it? Hilarious! Never in a million years would it seem that these two would fit together, yet in a way it’s so wrong that it’s rights, and so fans will continue to keep the faith.
Classic Shipper Moment: Sheldon getting excited over the Christmas present Penny gave him and hugs her, which in turn gets Penny all excited.
Penny: Leonard, look! Sheldon is hugging me! Leonard: It’s a Saturnalia miracle!
- Penny and Leonard in 2x11: The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis
Sheldon/Penny Fanvid: Hot ‘N’ Cold
#6. Nate Archibald & Serena van der Woodsen [Gossip Girl] “Ever since last week, ever since three years ago when you left...”
Serena and Nate
The IT Girl and the Golden Boy. The Prince and Princess of the Upper East Side. It might sound like a fairy tale but it’s not, and just as well since fairy tales are overrated and this ship is anything but! Serena van der Woodsen and Nate Archibald have been friends since they were children and Nate has been in love with Serena for quite some time. But their relationship has always been complicated by something and the timing has never been right. Nate was dating Serena’s best friend Blair Waldorf, and since Nate and Serena never wanted to hurt Blair, they ignored their feelings until the fateful night at the Shepherd wedding. Guilty and confused, Serena left town but when she returned a year later, it was clear that the sparks were still there between her and Nate. What’s funny about these two is even though they didn’t share many scenes together in season one, the small amount that they did made shippers happy because the screen and characters lit up in ways that are indescribable. Whenever Serena and Nate have scenes together, there’s a carefree atmosphere in the air – a refreshing change from the angst and tension on the Upper East Side.
It’s also worth noting how these two characters inspire each other. Note how Nate takes action when it comes to Serena – something he hasn’t really done when it comes to other girls he’s been with like Blair and Vanessa. When Serena cams back into town, Nate sought her out to see where they stood. At the masquerade ball Nate confessed to who he thought was Serena (it was Jenny) that he was still in love with her. And more recently, it was Nate who confessed to Serena that he was in love with her and has been for all these years.
Classic Shipper Moment: Realising that he was losing Serena to his cousin Tripp, Nate laid his heart on the line and begged Serena to stay with him.
Nate: Don't go with Tripp. Serena: Nate... Nate: Look, I know what I did was wrong. But I did it because ... ever since last week, ever since three years ago when you left ... please don't go. Please stay here with me. Please give me a chance.
- Nate and Serena in 3x11: The Treasure of Serena Madre
Serena/Nate Fanvid: On Fire
#5. Nathan Scott & Haley James Scott [One Tree Hill] “Always and Forever."
Nathan and Haley
You know the expression “love conquers all”? Nathan and Haley are a rare example of that. Love isn’t easy – it’s about facing the highs and lows together, making mistakes but learning from them, fighting battles, sharing dreams, forgiveness and trust. It’s about knowing that the bad and ugly come with the happy and good. It’s about knowing that everything you’ve gone through is worth it because nothing else matters in comparison. Nathan and Haley have gone through it all – fights, separations, tragedy, jealousy, losing dreams, chasing dreams, alleged affairs, conflicting commitments, but in the end they’ve stood by each other and built a wonderful life together with their son Jamie. It is a life that is strong and weathered the storm and cannot be torn down so easily.
It hasn’t all been angst and drama for Nathan and Haley – they are one of the most inspiring couples on television whose small and simple moments are just as definitive as the big moments. Fans love seeing these two together onscreen in any capacity because the joy they emit is infectious.
Nathan, Haley and Jamie
Classic Shipper Moment: These two have had so many wonderful shipper moments over the past seven seasons that it is difficult to just pick one. Instead we’ve chosen some inspirational words from their re-marriage ceremony in season three that truly demonstrate why this ship is so adored.
Haley: “Nathan, it's been said that there is one word that will free us from the weight and pain of life. And, that word is love, and I believe that. It doesn't mean that it hasn't been hard or that it won't be. It just means that I found a stillness and bravery in myself with you. You make me brave and I will love you until the end of time."
Lucas: "The last time I gave a speech about Nathan and Haley was, well at their first reception. I remember saying, 'Prepare to be surprised.' Well, I have to say even I was surprised; because, you see they do something that's very rare to see in someone our age. Actually, it's very rare to see in anybody; they give their hearts to each other, unconditionally. And, that's what true love really is. It's not this fairytale life that never knows pain, but it's two souls facing it together and diminishing it with unconditional love. To Nathan and Haley Scott."
Brooke: I'm not the most eloquent speaker, so I thought I would borrow a few words from Shakespeare. 'Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.' When life gets hard, when things change, true love remains the same. I look at Nathan and Haley and some how I feel safer. I don't know if I can explain that, but they give me hope. And, I'm afraid say it out loud because maybe if life finds out it'll try to beat it out of them and that will be a shame. Because, we all can use a little hope sometimes, you know. That feeling that everything’s going to be okay and that there's going to be someone there to help make sure of that. So, here's to Nathan and Haley, and here's to hope, and here's to a love that will not alter."
- 3x23: The Show Must Go On
Nathan/Haley Fanvid: Us Against the World
#4. Chloe Sullivan & Clark Kent [Smallville] “Everything’s great now that you’re here.”
Chloe and Clark
For the past nine seasons we’ve seen these two go through ups and downs, and despite it all stick together. Some call them the heart and soul of Smallville, and we wouldn’t dare to disagree. When Smallville first began, Chloe was just Clark’s quirky side kick and the best friend who loved him from afar. She has grown to be less of a sidekick and more of a partner, and has become his confidant and the one person he can always count on. Clark may have saved Chloe on numerous of occasions, but she’s also returned the favour and saved and protected him too – sometimes without him even knowing! Sure the mythology means that Lois and Clark are the ones that will inevitably be together, but Chloe and Clark are special. Whether it be friendship love or romantic love, Chloe and Clark have a rare bond that goes beyond love and is embodied within them and what they do, no matter where they are. Throughout the years in every world or alternate universe that Clark has encountered, there has always been one constant – Chloe by his side. What does that tell you?
Classic Shipper Moment: It doesn’t matter what world they’re in, it always comes down to Chloe and Clark and like this scene, that says something.
Chloe: So who was I in your alternate universe? Editor-in-chief of the Daily Planet or a Pulitzer Prize winner maybe? Clark: Something like that. The important part is... you were the one person who believed in me. I don't know what I'd do without you, Chloe. Chloe: Oh, is this when I'm supposed to cue the Barry Manilow music? Clark: No seriously, you mean a lot more to me than you know.
- Chloe and Clark in 6x12: Labyrinth
Chloe/Clark Fanvid: Never Say Never
#3. Lois Lane & Clark Kent [Smallville] “How can a guy miss what’s been in front of him all this time?”
Lois and Clark
We know that Lois and Clark are inevitable and meant to be but the journey is half the fun. Shippers know that it will eventually happen but it’s the how that leaves fans waiting with baited breath. When Lois whirled into town in season four, she and Clark didn’t exactly become bosom buddies. But underneath all the snark and bickering, they slowly got under each other’s skin and into each other’s hearts. What’s so great about this ship is the detailed build up leading up to the inevitable. Writers know that they’ve got a legend to live up to and know that the inevitable is something that they can’t mess up. So instead, fans are patiently waiting and along the way are rewarded with surprising and squee-worthy moments that make it worth their wait. It’s now season nine and we’re finally getting closer to Lois and Clark’s destiny and we couldn’t be happier!
Classic Shipper Moment: In season nine, Lois begins having visions of the future. In 9x08 Idol in particular, she has a steamy vision of her and Clark with the world around them in ruins, suggesting that as long as they have each other, everything else will work itself out.
Lois/Clark Fanvid: Taking Chances
#2. Noah ‘Puck’ Puckerman & Rachel Berry [Glee] “I just think you want it too much, which is something I can relate to.”
Rachel and Puck
Ah the good girl and the bad boy. Two people who were never meant to be together but did and all it took was one episode to change fandom as we know it. Never has there been a ship that has been so quickly embraced as Puck and Rachel. It was short and sweet but fans see the potential and are still holding out for them to reunite. And it’s not just the fans that think they are awesome, but critics and even the actors themselves! You know that your ship is special when you have the actors rooting for them before the show even airs! What started as a bit of fun for one episode has transformed into a movement that wanted more and had a sway so powerful to influence the show’s writers, and so more is what fans will get for at least one episode when Glee returns in April! Yay! That is the power of the shippers for you!
Yes Puck and Rachel began as your typical bad boy and good girl romance where both change each other for the better, but nonetheless this romance was unexpected and turned into something extraordinary and incomparable to other ships! Because let’s face it – if it never initially happened, we never would have thought it would have happened. (After all, Puck did once say that Rachel made him want to light himself on fire - and that wasn’t in a good way either!) But boy are we glad it happened! Rachel brings out a sweeter side of Puck, or Noah as she prefers to call him, and Rachel is a lot more carefree and less diva-ish when she’s around Puck. We got a couple of good looking Jews who can be sweet, tender, angsty, and that was all in one episode – who else can say that about their ship?! Not to mention, since then the looks between these two have told us that it is anything but over! The amazing chemistry between these two characters (and of course the awesome actors who play them) have left us wanting more and we shippers won’t rest until we get what we want!
Read Angela's note about the re-writing of this section here
Classic Shipper Moment: When Puck sings Sweet Caroline in 1x08: Mash Up especially to Rachel in front of the entire Glee club, not just because of their Jewish commonality, but also to prove to her that he can step up to the plate and be the guy she wants him to be. Awww!
Puck/Rachel Fanvid: Right Kind of Wrong
#1. Chuck Bass & Blair Waldorf [Gossip Girl] “I’m not Chuck Bass without you.”
Blair and Chuck
It’s hard to explain why fans are drawn to Chuck and Blair. The reason seems simple enough – because they’re Chuck and Blair. You can’t have one without the other because they aren’t who they are without each other. Chuck and Blair love each other unconditionally and accept each other for who they truly are – the good, the bad, and the ugly. There is no one else for them – no one else could ever come close to understanding them the way they do each other. They bicker and squabble, are deceptive and manipulative, they scheme and cause havoc on the world around them. They’re passion and drama. In an ordinary world they’re a recipe for disaster, but Chuck and Blair are anything but ordinary, and because of that fit perfectly together.
For most shows, when couples with so much passion and tension get together, they fizzle, but Chuck and Blair have proved the critics wrong. After so much dancing around and game playing in season two, the pair have finally gotten their act together and are a stable couple in season three. Stable in Chuck and Blair land however, does not equal boring! Sure they are a bit more wiser and mature but they’re still Chuck and Blair spicing up their relationship and combusting with chemistry - finally committing to each other has not changed that. These two still make shippers laugh, cry and touch fans’ hearts in a way that no other ship can and that is why these guys are still #1 in our Top 10 Young TV Ships Poll for the second year in a row.
Blair and Chuck
Classic Shipper Moment: There was so much angst and drama between these two in season two – so much dancing around each other rather than admitting their true feelings, so fans were relieved and overjoyed when they finally got their act together and Chuck admitted how he really felt about Blair in a grand gesture in a way that no one but Chuck Bass could.
Blair: Why aren't you in Europe? Chuck: I was in Paris, but only to get your favourite macaroons from Pierre Hermè
Blair: And Germany? Chuck: To pick up your favourite silk stockings, you know how I adore them. Blair: What are you doing here then? Chuck: You were right. I was a coward running away again. Everywhere I went, you caught up with me so I have to come back. Blair: I wanna believe you, but I can't. You hurt me too many times. Chuck: You can believe me this time. Blair: Oh, that's it? Chuck: I love you too. [they kiss] Blair: Like, can you say it twice [they kiss again] No, I'm serious, say it twice. Chuck: I love you, I love you, that's three, four, I love you.
- Chuck and Blair in 2x25: The Goodbye Gossip Girl
