Confessions of a TV-holic: Top 10 What If Ships - Portrait Magazine, February 2010 Issue

Confessions of a TV-holic: Top 10 What If Ships
By Angela Lee (Age 22, Australia)

“Hi my name is Angela and I’m a TV-holic...”
I watch way too much TV for my own liking – I think that’s all you really need to know about me. Since I watch so much TV, I’ve decided to channel it into good use and write a column every month, each focusing on different television shows. I will admit that I have an unhealthy obsession for teenage dramas but my tastes to expand beyond that – so give up on me just yet! I’d also love to hear your thoughts so feel free to leave me a comment!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is either about embracing love or wondering ‘what if’ when it comes to love. In spirit of the holiday this month, I’ve decided to go with the latter and share with you my top 10 what if ships – that is couples that didn’t exactly get their happy ending, but I wish that they did. These are ships in my own opinion I thought had chemistry and deserved to have a fighting chance. Be sure to let me know what you think and whether you agree or disagree! Let me know if there’s any particular ship you think that is worthy but that I missed out on! Drop me an email at tvholic.portraitmag@gmail.com, or if you are on Twitter then tweet me at: http://www.twitter.com/PortraitTVHolic! Until next month – whether you’re single or attached - Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!


Honourable Mention
 Jess/Rory [Gilmore Girls]



Rory and Jess

I’m probably in the minority here, but I could never allow myself to ship these two and was really annoyed when he ended up being the reason why Rory and Dean, my favourite couple on the show, split up the second time around! That being said, just because I personally don’t ship them doesn’t mean that I don’t understand why there are so many die-hard “Literati” fans out there that did and still do. Jess was the first guy to properly challenge Rory – he was a bit of a rebel, but one that was quite intelligent and well-read and could hold his own when it came to discussing literature with Rory, unlike her first boyfriend Dean. Sure he was a bit of a jerk to a lot of people (and sometimes even to Rory, which is part of the reason why I can’t bring myself to ship them personally), but he did show a different and more softer and gentler side when around Rory. When he returned to town several years later during season six, all grown up and mature, there was definite signs of potential that things could have worked out between the two this time around. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be then, but perhaps someday.

Rory/Jess fanvid: The Way We Live


#10. Tim/Tyra [Friday Night Lights]



Tim and Tyra

So I’ll admit that these two were kind of bad for each other when they were actually together. He was a bit of a jerk that didn’t treat her right and she was a sassy smart alec who sometimes took her comments too far, but in some ways I kind of miss this two together. Because despite all their problems and recklessness, there were some fun times between these two and above everything else, they understood each other in a way that no one else could. Tim and Tyra understood that each other was the way that they were and it just was, and unlike the other people that they would go on to date, they didn’t really try to change each other and force the other to be a better person. They were just themselves. When things were good between them, it was fun. Because let’s face it – they were still in high school and not all relationships in high school have to be serious and full of angst. Sometimes you just have to not take things so seriously, and that’s what I liked about these two – I knew they would never work in the long run but who says you can’t have a little fun in the meantime?

Tim/Tyra fanvid: Dying to Live Again -

#9.Max/Alec [Dark Angel]



Max and Alec

When it comes to Dark Angel, most fans ship Max and Logan. But me? I have a soft spot for Max and Alec! Sure they fought like cats and dogs and antagonised each other ALL THE TIME, but let’s face it – they sure had chemistry! And you know what they say about the thin line between love and hate. If the show had gone on, I’m sure Max and Alec would have realised their feelings for each other. All that aside, being of the same breed, these two understood each other in a way that no one could. Besides – didn’t Logan once say to Max that she deserved someone who understood her?

Max/Alec fanvid: Never Say Never -


#8. Buffy/Angel [Buffy the Vampire Slayer]



Buffy and Angel

The vampire and the vampire slayer. Yes their love was forbidden and they tried to stay away from each other, but their attraction was just too strong to fight. Even when he turned on her, I was still waiting for these two to find their way back to each other, and then when he came back to her and she had to send him into that portal to save the world – oh how that scene tore at my heartstrings! These two had a tragic love story but how many people in the world can say that their love almost caused the world to end?

Buffy/Angel fanvid: Cry -


#7. Rory/Dean [Gilmore Girls]



Rory and Dean

These two were the kind of first love many of us dream of – a partner who is as sweet, attentive, and devoted as Dean was to Rory. He recognised that she wasn’t like other girls and loved that she was smart, quirky, and had the tendency to babble a lot. He escorted her to her first school dance and to her debut into society, even though he, himself wasn’t very keen at the idea. He made a big fuss over their anniversary and took her out to a fancy dinner and said “I love you” first. He even built a car for her! She encouraged him to broaden his horizons and open himself up to new things. The innocence of their first love relationship is what keeps me still shipping these two even after all these years! They may have drifted apart and moved on, but you never forget your first love.

Rory/Dean fanvid: What if -

#6. Rusty/Jen K [Greek]



Rusty and Jen K

For me, having only discovered Greek in the last six months, these two are a recent ship for me and their ending still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth! Rusty and Jen K were both socially awkward, shy, and tended to babble a lot – they were a perfect fit for each other! But then it was revealed that Jen had infiltrated the Greek system as an undercover reporter and betrayed all the new friends that she had made. While she may have been lying about who she was, she swore she never lied about her feelings for Rusty. Sadly the damage had been done, and Rusty could never move on from the incident and bring himself to trust her. So all we have left are the sweet and fun memories of happier times between these two.

Rusty/Jen K fanvid: Beautiful as You -


#5. Pacey/Andie [Dawson’s Creek]



Pacey and Andie

Okay, let me preface this by saying that Pacey/Joey were my first ever ship. Having said that, I adored Pacey/Andie in season two before the concept of Pacey/Joey even entered my mind! I was majorly peeved when they decided to have Andie cheat on Pacey when season three returned, after what was essentially a beautiful love story in season two! He was the slacker but oh so charming town joker, and she was the intelligent but neurotic new girl in town. At first the two bickered and bantered whenever they crossed paths, but we soon realised that it was all just subtext for what was simmering underneath and waiting to rise to the surface – a crush that would ultimately transform into a great teenage love. He was there for her throughout her family dramas and personal problems. She inspired him to become a better guy and was the first person to believe in him. For all the wonderful moments we had of these two in season two, they will always hold a special place in my fandom world.

Pacey/Andie fanvid: Because You Live -


#4. Brooke/Lucas [One Tree Hill]



Brooke and Lucas

On One Tree Hill, when it comes to shipping Lucas, you’re either Team Peyton or Team Brooke. Make no mistake, the rivalry between these two teams can get a little fierce and we have the previous TV Ship poll results to prove it! Me? I’m Team Brooke all the way! (Lucas and Peyton were a little so angsty and tortured for my liking to be honest.) She was the bubbly, spoilt, blunt cheerleader and he was the brooding and mysterious new it guy. She taught him to live on the wild side a little and not to be so serious. While he showed her that it was okay to be not so shallow and promiscuous and as result she fell for him and opened herself up to being vulnerable. Sure things between Cheery and Broody may have fallen apart the first time around because he cheated on her with her best friend. But over time he realised his mistake and she slowly let him back into her life and it wasn’t before long that they tried again and their relationship was stronger and just as passionate than ever. When they separated again, it wasn’t because they stopped loving each other, but rather that they were in two different places and that it was time to let go for awhile. It was for this reason that “Brucas” fans still hold out hope that these two will be together again one day. After all, if you love someone, you set them free and people who are meant to be will find their way back to each other eventually.

Brooke/Lucas fanvid: Before the Storm -


#3. Clark/Lana [Smallville]



Lana and Clark

Since day one I have been a Clana shipper. There was something about the awkward boy next door falling in love with the beautiful and popular girl next door from afar. But Smallville went beyond that stereotype and soon Clark was able to approach the seemingly untouchable ‘It girl’ and even befriend her. There was no denying that there was something there between these two but obstacles often got in the way. However, it was these obstacles that paved the way to beautiful moments between Clana, building up to when they finally got together. But being a hero and saving the world, all whilst keeping it a secret from those around you, was never an easy job and often tore Clark and Lana apart. Regardless, these two never stopped loving each other and when Lana finally discovered the truth about Clark, it strengthen their love. But no one said it was ever going to be easy and Lana soon realised that the world needed Clark more than she did and selflessly gave him up time after time. They may not be together now, but they’ll be in each other’s hearts forever.

Clark/Lana Fan Trailer:


#2. Tommy/Jude [Instant Star]



Tommy and Jude

Definitely one of the most underrated ships out there and one very dear to my heart. For me there is no one else for this former boy band member turned music producer Tom Quincy and his music protégé, the sullen teen turned ambitious young woman Jude Harrison. No one will ever get each other the way these two do. They have first met when Jude was a teenager and therefore unable to act on their attraction for each other, but within time and bouts of sexual tension, these two did come together – albeit on and off a few times - and showed that they were just as passionate about each other as they are about their music. Fans were excited in the show’s finale when Tommy proposed to Jude, but she turned him down because she was still young and needed to experience more of life before she committed herself to him for good, and so she left for London to pursue her music career. Keep in mind Jude didn’t turn Tommy down because she didn’t love him - because she did - so fans keep the faith that one day she’ll come back to him and be ready to settle down.

Tommy/Jude fanvid: White Lines and Red Lights -


#1.Logan/Veronica [Veronica Mars]



Logan and Veronica

Let me just start off by saying that these two are my #1 ship ever – past and present, and the day that they stop being #1 for me will be a very sad day. For me, no one can compare to these two and their epic relationship – Logan and Veronica have chemistry, they have history, they understand each other in ways that no one else can, and they’re there for each other no matter what. What draws me to these two is the element of surprise. They’re unpredictable and you never know what is going to happen next with them – good or bad. No one would have ever thought in the beginning when Logan was being cruel to Veronica and bashing her car’s headlights, that they would ever get together. Yet when they did, it was so wrong that it was right!

Logan/Veronica fanvid: Before the Worst -

These two have a history. A long time ago they used to be friends and dated each other’s best friends, all together they were the Fab 4. Then her boyfriend dumped her without warning and her best friend was murdered, and so Logan turned his back on Veronica and became her enemy and tormentor. But over time the ice between them thawed and they were slowly drawn back to each other in a less aggressive and angry way. When his mother died, she was there to comfort and help him. He saved her from a potentially dangerous situation and as a result they kissed and the universe exploded. (Or at least the fandom universe did!) Circumstances tore their brief relationship apart, but somehow they always found themselves drawn back to each other, and after an eventful season the pair finally reunited, stronger than ever.

People say that high school romances don’t always last beyond college, but Logan and Veronica aren’t ordinary. There may have been hiccups in their relationship, particularly during their freshman year of college, but in the end they always come back to each other as cheesy as it sounds. They can try to move on but in the end they never really will. Veronica Mars may have ended with these two still apart but I have no doubt that they would have found their way back to each other and made a go of it again. They are after all Epic – spanning years and continents, lives ruined, bloodshed. Epic.

Logan/Veronica fanvid: Battlefield -


TV-Holics Poll #9 Results – Chuck

1. Who is your favourite Chuck character?
Chuck 30%
Awesome 15%
Casey 11%
Sarah 7%
Morgan 7%
Emmett 7%
Jeff 7%
Lester 4%
Ellie 4%
Big Mike 4%

2. Who is your favourite Chuck couple?
Chuck and Sarah 47%
Morgan and Anna 27%
Awesome and Ellie 13%
Sarah and Bryce 7%
Chuck and Lou 7%
Chuck and Jill 0%

3. Who is your favourite secondary Nerd Herd team member?
Morgan 31%
Anna 23%
Emmett 15%
Jeff 15%
Lester 8%
Big Mike 8%

4. Do you prefer Chuck and Sarah as a couple or as friends?
Couple 70%
Friends 30%

5. Why do you watch Chuck?
For the comedy 70%
For the relationship/friendship drama 20%
For the spy action 10%