I think bringing in the failed date or failed relationship scenario would help really flesh out some tv shows. However, it's possible there could be backlash for that as well, and execs don't want to deal with it. If people are tuning into tv for escapism, do they really want to invest in a relationship which is ultimately doomed? I would argue many would say no. For me, it doesn't matter as long as it is handled well. But I can certainly say if I was watching a show and was really invested in a pairing that was canon and it became a failed one, I think I would be upset. Not always, but it depends on the context.
Actually, Smallville has been dealing with several failed romances. It's odd in that the majority of the relationships on this show don't end well. However, they aren't written in the mature way a failed romance could be written. Granted, it's a teen drama, but I would think that would be the perfect vehicle for it especially if the writers know they have to end the relationships anyway. The one caveat for this show, though, is that the failed relatiosnhips are due to the whole "OTP" nature of some of the characters. So these romances are failures to get to the "One True Love" which undercuts the whole argument.
Still, the major pairing of the entire series is Clark/Lana. This is a doomed relationship which is now entering it's final stage. So the main canon relationship that people have been watching for 7 years is not going to end up together. People are pissed.
The show explored another failed relationship, but very maturely imo. That was Lois/Oliver. They loved each other. It didn't work. She broke up with him.
I really haven't seen a case of two crushes getting together and realizing there is nothing there an calling it quits, though.
As for SPN, I think two scenarios could work in the context of this show. They can do the "girl of the week" which annoys me, but I've come to accept it, at least for Dean. Or they could show the tension and conflict with a hunter who has to balance the hunter life with a personal life. I'm not saying it has to be one of the main characters, but that's been a missed opportunity. We heard residuals about it through Ellen and Jo, but never actually got to see what that conflict must be like. I think it would be fasicnating.
If either of the leads had a long-term relationship on the show, I don't think it would work. It would take some seriosuly expert writing. And in the end, due to the nature and tone of the show, I would expect it to end badly anyway.
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Actually, Smallville has been dealing with several failed romances. It's odd in that the majority of the relationships on this show don't end well. However, they aren't written in the mature way a failed romance could be written. Granted, it's a teen drama, but I would think that would be the perfect vehicle for it especially if the writers know they have to end the relationships anyway. The one caveat for this show, though, is that the failed relatiosnhips are due to the whole "OTP" nature of some of the characters. So these romances are failures to get to the "One True Love" which undercuts the whole argument.
Still, the major pairing of the entire series is Clark/Lana. This is a doomed relationship which is now entering it's final stage. So the main canon relationship that people have been watching for 7 years is not going to end up together. People are pissed.
The show explored another failed relationship, but very maturely imo. That was Lois/Oliver. They loved each other. It didn't work. She broke up with him.
I really haven't seen a case of two crushes getting together and realizing there is nothing there an calling it quits, though.
As for SPN, I think two scenarios could work in the context of this show. They can do the "girl of the week" which annoys me, but I've come to accept it, at least for Dean. Or they could show the tension and conflict with a hunter who has to balance the hunter life with a personal life. I'm not saying it has to be one of the main characters, but that's been a missed opportunity. We heard residuals about it through Ellen and Jo, but never actually got to see what that conflict must be like. I think it would be fasicnating.
If either of the leads had a long-term relationship on the show, I don't think it would work. It would take some seriosuly expert writing. And in the end, due to the nature and tone of the show, I would expect it to end badly anyway.