Reading through posts-it seems many want romatic relationships between characters introduced. Am I the only one who is against a love story being added to the show?

So you want eveyone in the 4400 universe to get a divorce stop having any sex or any relationship whatsoever put their kids in a boarding school?

I am more interested in seeing the storyline about the catastrophe, the PFTF, promicin's impacts to society, how people cope with Jordan's movement, etc than romantic relationships. I goof around and post about people hooking up but it's definitely not my focus or desire for this show. But if a romantic relationship makes sense for the story, supports the story, then I don't have a problem with it.

I don't mind a love story if it happens VERY slowly and if it's natural and the people who are supposed to be in love are decent to each other. Farscape comes to mind-it took John Crichton and Aeryn Sun a long time to get together, and although they were prickly together, they were good to each other. That seemed like a good love story to me.

love doesn't always follow the theme of the day or week or year nor does it always make sense. It should be chaotic some relationshipes, even friendships should make no sense whatsoever. It shows the spontinaity of life right there, not a relationship whos only point is to get person A to point X like they were robots.

But i have to admit i would like to see more of the future catastrophe and the people from the future explaining their actions to Tom and people whom the PFTF want help from. Keeping people in the dark about the true nature of the catastrophe is reckless.

Well, I don't want one nor am I opposed. Guess that doesn't really help you much.

I don't want the show to become a soap opera or anything but relationships are a part of everyone's life and they have an impact on the story. Besides, we're all just shooting the breeze here.

Not at all-but I do not want their sexual or romantical relationship to be the focus of the show. Like what Easy Mac said, 'if the relationship makes sense for the story' go for it, I wont have a problem, dont just add a love story to add it, know what I mean?

You're so .... middle of the road.

You're right, I'd rather not see the show over-burdened with that stuff, and I don't think it has, or will.


I know... tell us already!! TELL US!!

I just think that adding a love story because it makes sense for the story hurts the story. People fall in love for many reasons and not all of them will make sense with what is going on in their lives. I would agree if say it's Shawn getting back with Isabelle that makes no sense whatsoever(although stranger things have happened), but Shawn working with Heather and overtime (even if it is a short time or long time) the two growing closer then that's that works i think.

Exactly my point. I thought the Alana/Tom love story worked and supported the story. I think the Diana/Ben story was a waste of time and a distraction. I am completely unconvinced that a Megan/Tom hookup helps the story but maybe it will, I have to give it time. I am also not convinced that a Kyle/Isabelle will add value, but again, I'll give it time.

JMHO.

I know! I know! Sad isn't it?

You said romantical! I thought I was the only person who ever said romantical. Well, I don't want romance or sex to be the focus of the 4400-that's what soap operas and romantic comedies are for. EasyMac makes a good point that in real life people do fall in love, and that a love story that supports the main story can add value overall. I'm not against any relationships, except Shawn and Isabelle because they have such a terrible history.

I didnt even realized I 'said' it

Well.... yes.

If you watch the Joel interviews he states that one of the things about the show is it relationships. It keep the characters real. They have husbands, wifes, children etc. Someone here sited that show like Law and Order doesn't have that type of soap opera thing going on. That is true, but then again, how much of their home lives do you see? I've seen maybe 2 where they showed Olivia's home and about the same with Elliot. I have never seen any of the lawyers home lives, because it is not a "relationship" based show, its about criminals, their capture and their trials. But here some of the relationships we see are Tom and Kyle...and the writers even admited they weren't sure what to do with Kyle for along time. I am glad they found a place for him. Diana adoptin Maia and her relationship with her sister April. Richard, Lily and Isabelle. ETC ETC. While I don't like forced relationships like Diana and Ben or Tom and Megan, it fits with the premise of the show that this isn't just about the "sci-fi" stuff, it's also about the people, their relationships and how it all fits together. It adds to the show if it is done properly, not just throw in to catch the femal viewing audiance.

Exploration of relationships is essential, because yes, we all have them in real life (at least I hope we do!) and it makes complete sense to see how cousins are interacting, or how a father is dealing with his son, etc, as well as seeing a couple fall in love. I agree that these make this show wonderful, believeable and interesting. As you said in your last point, I don't like it when it's when something is tossed in, forced together (the Ben/Diana storyline is the best example of that, IMO). Ben's character didn't have much value unless he had been a Marked, or Super Soldier, or had some other characteristic that was relevant to the story. Even the Megan/Tom story line at least has that they are both working at NTAC, so it fits better into the storyline for me. But that's just me.

I agree that Ben/Diana was not the best thought out storyline, but that love story was a lesson on fate, and possibly a way to show viewers that Maia is not always right (or maybe she is, if Ben and Diana do marry later on in the series). Tom and Alana made a lot of sense just because the future willed their relationship and Tom/Megan makes a lot of sense if Megan has other purposes then just love (some think she is a marked, or working for them to lead Tom astray). Love is one of the most natural human emotions so every show needs it to some degree, and each relation on the show thus far has fit the characters perfectly:

Shawn/Isabelle: a lot of confusion (all new to Isabelle), focused mainly on sex (they're both teens)
Tom/Alana: natural romance (spent 8 years together in 5 mins), focused on being together and escaping reality (sole purpose for Alana being in Tom's life)
Diana/Ben: slightly awkward (told to be together), uncertainty on Diana's part (not sure if Maia's visions are complete and interpreted correctly), Ben's full commitment assuming he's only away on business (openminded believer in 4400 abilities, believes Maia wholeheartedly)
Tom/Megan (still uncertain): More lust than love (Tom is lonely, Megan likely has something up her sleeve), Megan wants someone to boss around, Tom wants a pay raise, etc.

i totally agree. that's the cool thing about this show is that the storylines are always so cool and original and sci-fi-ey but they also manage to show how these characters are human and make mistakes or fall for each other.

Somewhere in the vast amount of Behr's commentaries on the previous seasons' DVDs, he mentioned that love relaltionships are hard to develop in the sci-fi genre. It takes way too much time to get a good one going and to keep it fresh when there is so much to tell about the main storyline. As Shawn and Isabelle were adding to the storyline, he gave it time to develop but I guess that is why Ben came and went so quickly. Maybe that also means that the Tom/Megham story will die quickly or move to the back if Behr doesn't want to use his film time for Love!....tee hee

I think he said also said about Tom-Meghan that they were going to keep trying to make a relationship work on this show if it killed them. I believe he was alluding to all the failed relationships that were the result of outside influences, not story decisions (e.g., Lily and Alana no longer being on the show).

I think it might be unrealistic if no characters had any relationships of a romantic kind. It adds a level of personal interest, so Tom would take it personally if Meghan were attacked, and might act overly violently. I think the problem is that the romances aren't always handled interestingly. The Tom/Meghan one is okay, but nothing really special. The Shawn/Isabelle one was neat because she became really possessive due to her feelings and that added a neat dynamic between the two in the latter half of the season.

Then again, it's nice to see characters who can't get any of the opposite sex because that might be realistic, too.

I think it's all about how the romances are handled. Sometimes they're great on this show and sometimes not.

Man, I still haven't gotten my DVD set yet. I can't wait for 4 episodes' worth of Ira Steven Behr! He and his other writers did a pretty good job of relationships on Star Trek Deep Space Nine, but it's been a bit less successful on this series.

If the 4400 becomes a soap opera with a supernatural theme, a la Smallville, Roswell, or Passions, then I'll be clicking the remote come Sundays at 9pm. (Please note that I am not discouraging the shows, I'm just saying that IF the 4400 ever moved in that direction, I would be very, very upset. And when I get upset, Pandora gets upset. And when Pandora gets upset, well, the last time, she kinda blew up a couple of small towns in Idaho.)

That being said, I agree with the majority of the responders who have said they don't mind relationships and love interests, as long as they make sense and aren't forced. For example, Kyle, Shawn, and Tom's relationships are related to the overarching story, and thus, believable. But, if all of the sudden, Izzy seduced Jordan and they made wild passionate love for half an episode, I might start questioning the sanity of the writers.

I also believe that the writers could tone down the romance on the show in favor of telling us more backstory about the motives and actions of the PFTF. After all, the real thesis on the show is that the PFTF took 4400 people and gave them special powers to somehow better the present and therefore, help save the future, not that the PFTF took 4400 people to play a giant game of Love Connection.

I agree, a love story, being in Love changes things. How we act, think, react, choices we make. IE: I think if Diana had to worry about being home to cook dinner for Maia, Ben whoever, it just would take away from the meaning of the show. And what about pulling the trigger when needed too. We can't have people worried about "what if's" when fighting this kind of battle. Survival is the name of this game, there will be plenty of time for love when things calm down. The ones so far has been ok or had their place, but remember we're in a fight for our lives.Oceanheart Peace out

It's not? Damn I thought it was the Dating Game. Shoots. I've been watching the wrong show. LOL KIDDING. As long as it fits the story I"m good with it. Just to add Romance/or Sex, NO. Like the Jordan/Chloe sex scene, why was that even important. Other than to show us more of Jordans, I will use anyone, side. It could have saved a lot of room for real backstory or forward moving plots.

I'd agree that it's an example of something that probably wasn't necessay but... I would allow for it because it showed how ruthless Jordan can be. Also, it may be an example of the writers/producers going that route "just because" or perhaps to entice more views. We know they've made choices before because they got "bored" ... maybe they were looking for some excitement?

And we did get a couple of great butt shots

Women...

MEN

Touche!

We got a few good shots of Jordan's tushie and you guys got a WHOLE season of Isabelle walking around in her panties. COME ON. Whats fair about that? But then, we have Tom, Kyle, Shawn, Danny, Jordan, Richard, Garrity, Marco, and other various men. You guys have Diana, Isabelle, Megan. Wow maybe we do have it better. LOL

Actually, bi guys got the best out of the deal... getting to ogle both the pretty women AND the pretty men. As far as Isabelle last season, I found her attractive physically, but I didn't find her attractive as a person, and thus, I didn't find her attractive AT ALL. But this season, with her trying to be a good person, that really is more attractive than her being a psycho killing skank.

And yes, in the long run, the women do get the best out of the deal. Why aren't there more women on the show????? Com'on writers, inquiring minds want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seems their women have commitment issues lol or they want more money--go figure a woman wanting more money.

Lol! Women? Wanting more Money? So they can go shopping? For uh.... balloons? For Jordan? Never!!!!!! ROFL!

LOL I know right. Women don't shop. MUCH. That's funny balloons for Jordan. I'm a pretty basic woman. As long as I have a bed, TV, and my comp I'm good. A guy I dated ages ago use to buy my clothes, because I'd wear mine out. And my shoes. I've had shoes for 20 years. For about 6 months I used a plastic bag as my purse, until a co-worker got tired of it and bought me a purse. I wouldn't carry out--just to work to keep my stuff in. I saw no issue with it. And I suck at getting gifts. I give great ones, but if you give me a gift, it better be practical. For Christmas one year the clothes buyer b/f asked me what I wanted. I told him a toaster. So, come Christmas morning in front of all my family and kids, I open a Toaster, a case of pop tarts (strawberry) and a bottle of smuckers grape jelly. LOL Then he says o wait I have something else. Goes to his car and gets out 2 baskets of dirty laundry for me to wash. When I did the laundry later that day--I found a diamond and sapphire neckless and matching earrings. But, my family got a kick out of the other gifts and dirty laundry. I never lived that down. LOL

I think that in every series a love story is necessary or at least some attraction between characters.

Of course there should be ouples and love stories in a show. But it's not very fun to watch when the relationships are so forced as Ben/Diana...
I think the best couples they've made on the show was:
Lily and Richard
Tom and Alana

So if Lily isn't coming back, and Richard becomes a regular on the show again, I think they should mix him up with Heather Tobey. But if Lily has a chance of returning (the promo for next week), then I'd love that to happen...

As for Tom and Alana, if Alana did return, I think they shouldn't become a couple again, and let Tom try it out with Meghan. Because if Tom is getting evil, and Meghan is too, then I think that would be best. We need some bad people too!

No I don't think so. However, I'm all for it

Eh, just adding my two cents... I don't care either way... as long as the 4400 continues to be a show, they can do it however they want... I'll only get pissed if it gets canceled and not everything is resolved.

I think it's actuallly getting a bit clearer. It's coming down to they are just two differnt "humans", those with abilities and those without. Now its just a matter of who wins.

No your're not the only one. Im kinda against it too. I dont want my favorite show turning into some soap opra!!! Yes there have been bits of love here and there, but to just focus in on that is irratating. Tom has always had some type of romance issues and Diana had an interesting one that played out between her and her sister. But I still want Lana to come back, but guess she wont so I hear. But yeah Im not too into the relationship focus. Like it was kool and interesting when Sean and Isabelle hooked up. As long as the relationship has more to do with the greater plot and majorly affects all 4400's or people to a really interesting degree. But other than that nah.....