Oiy, I don't think this is really spoilerific, but I'm likely referencing every interview known to man (or Mann) so while it's not much to do with the plot, it's a little about what the actors are thinking

Are they really at odds or is their personal interpretations of their characters? I think writers tread a dangerous area when things are completely spelled out and NOT open for individual interpretation of the character. I'm just going along for the ride! Personally, I agree with Mary being more cautious about what her character feels and allowing the character to develop.

After spending some time considering the characters, I think that the actors having a different interpretation is actually a good thing. Clearly, it's canon that Marshall is definitely open to the possibility of a relationship. It's also established that Mary, at this time, is not so much. I think they did a good job of establishing formula sexual tension without resorting to an X-Files vibe.

I'd also like to mention that Mary's character avoids emotional connection - look at the way she treated her last boyfriend even before he proposed to her. She may have feelings, deep romantic feelings, but she avoid them. Also, it seems like she's got something about to happen with the local police detective; I know I want to see more of that guy, much as I love my Marshall eye-candy.

I tend to agree. I think Mary is more committed to Marshall than she's EVER been to any man. Considering how fearful Mary is of commitment, I think this is a very good thing. I think we see a definite tension there, but I think for Mary she's probably giving him as much as she's capable of giving at this time. I think it's obvious how much Mary cares about Marshall, by how she reacted to his injury. Mary would put her own life on the line for Marshall and I don't think she wants to upset the balance of what they currently have.

Bubba you crack me up!
Have you ever seen a thread that you didn't reply to? Just asking Bubba!

Hi everyone, brand new IPS fan here

Very good points brought up by all!

To be honest, I can't quite remember what specifically I was upset and ranting about, which is embarassing, especially since I made some weird conclusions.

I think, at the heart of it, I don't want to have to consider (one-sided) romantic tension all the time I'm watching the show. And I'm really curious if the writers intended for it to be so pervasive. Or even if it is that pervasive - I know I've been influenced by the sheer number of times in interviews Fred has focused on Marshall's being in love with Mary. And even the interviews likely reflect the interviewers interests, or the perceived interests of the audience, rather than his inability to talk about anything else.

Other than that I was being a dork. In the context of their partnership, differing viewpoints on the part of the actors and characters(?) will make things more interesting. I just have a pathological need to have meta-knowledge of any storyline I'm engaging with.

LOL! Y'know what - I think those are all just symptoms of being a fan. Get some sleep, have some coffee, watch an ep of IPS. You'll feel better.

I wouldn't call them weird conclusions at all, I understood where you were coming from. I think with these days of information we often get a lot more information about our favorite shows than we ever used to. I think sometimes it may be get a little overwhelming when it appears that things are being spelled out or there is conflict in character perceptions. I think it just shows that MM is really an artist of her craft and she is approaching Mary from a very honest place.

[quote name='USAFan324' date='Jun 23 2008, 09:26 PM' post='887134']
Are they really at odds or is their personal interpretations of their characters? I think writers tread a dangerous area when things are completely spelled out and NOT open for individual interpretation of the character. I'm just going along for the ride! Personally, I agree with Mary being more cautious about what her character feels and allowing the character to develop.
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