Into the Fire

Well-known television producer and writer Donald Bellisario, who is one of my all-time favorite producers, believes in the power of UST (Unresolved Sexual Tension). Long running series successes such as Magnum P.I., JAG, NCIS, and NCIS LA, have all given voice to the star-crossed, unrequited, or thinly disguised romance and sexual tension between co-star protagonists. Accompanied by great writing to keep these series in the forefront of viewers' favorites, romance and UST play a starring role in some capacity in each of them.

And then . . . it's over. Usually after the series has run its course for several years, the fantastic series come to an end, usually resolving relationships and leaving the viewers with hope for their favorite characters' futures. Ah, the love of make believe.

To sustain the UST, the romance must be intense while being downplayed. Much like category romance in novels presents the cat and mouse game of character attraction, it's accentuated in television series material, often carrying on for years over many episodes where every kind of possible conflict is experienced by the co-stars. When it's no longer feasible to keep them apart, the writers must finally figure out a way to bring them together, but this is a calculated risk which often precedes the series coming to an end. Why? Because the romantic sexual tension is no longer sustained. The objective which has kept fans rooting for or against them is realized, and the actual romance turns into relationship. Some of the clever antics of that romantic conflict are now missing, and the style of the show must evolve to serve the new commitment.

So. Do you enjoy the romantic sparring of UST in a television series? What about the formula for category romance? Tedious? Enjoyable? Leading up to the romantic holiday of Valentine's Day, how do you like your romance served?

God, you are Love. You created us. You gave us sexual desire. It was pure and good in the beginning. Forgive us for our sins of corruption against all that you made perfect and help us to seek your holiness in all that we feel, think, and do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.