I’ve avoided this thread so far because at this point, I’m not sure there’s a single answer that captures my views on the topic. Maybe if I just start writing a few thoughts down, however, something will emerge….
Do I care about Mac’s love life? Well, it depends. Mac is the leading man and one of my favorites in the series, so in general, I care about storylines that expand upon and further develop the character. And to the extent that his love life adds more depth and leads to meaningful development, I will be interested. However, if it’s only being used as a ploy to garner short term ratings or to simply highlight Mac’s leading man status, then not so much.
This triangle storyline strikes me as fitting more into the latter category – something gimmicky intended to generate shorter term interest and keep some buzz going over the summer. The idea that they are setting up this scenario without really having a firm idea of how it will evolve or be resolved does not exactly inspire confidence, especially given how other storylines have been handled this season. That said, the more I read about it, the more I think the triangle will be much ado about little to nothing – at least for this season. It seems that Peyton may only appear in one episode (and perhaps will return to London after making it clear she still has feelings for Mac). And Aubrey has one more episode that we know of (maybe two if she also shows up in 4.22). So while Mac may have more options re: his love life, I’m not convinced he’ll actually have to make a choice at all.
The series does seem to be at a crossroads right now and in need of some sort of shake up to generate(and sustain) greater viewer interest. In my view, the focus needs to be on the crime solving elements of the show -- coming up with more interesting (and plausible) cases, finding a way to rejuvenate some of the existing characters (like Danny), and perhaps adding another regular/recurring character (preferably a more youthful female presence) who can bring new energy and perspective, while also providing someone new for the other characters to interact with. I don’t think Mac’s love triangle (or Peyton and Aubrey for that matter) really help them in that way
As for Mac’s specific love interests, I’d be leaning towards “anyone but Peyton” if that were an option. Frankly, I’m surprised they are bringing Peyton back. I’m sure the character has some fans, but I didn’t have the impression she was that popular – certainly not in the same league as the main cast or a regular recurring like Angell. And gotta admit, I never thought Mac’s feelings for Peyton ran that deep. Yes, he cared about her, but it seemed to me the relationship itself was more important than Peyton – i.e., Mac really wanted it to work to prove to himself (and perhaps others) that he could move on. Of course, it’s the writers’ prerogative to characterize Mac’s feelings now as they wish, including retconning to some degree, so who knows, maybe we’ll find out Mac’s been secretly pining for Peyton the last two plus years. I’m not sure there’s much they can do, however, to change my overall opinion of Peyton and the relationship.
On the other hand, Aubrey is wildcard – more of an unknown. On paper, she seems like the ideal woman for Mac – a dedicated, driven, career-oriented woman with a military background and no apparent flaws. The writers have done a good job of introducing her and developing the relationship in a measured way. However, so far, I haven’t seen much of the drive, dedication, or other distinctive personality traits come across onscreen. And the chemistry with GS/Mac seems a bit artificial and awkward – lacking a certain degree of warmth and rapport that suggests strong attraction and connection. But, it’s early days, so we’ll see what happens in her next episode, when presumably she and Mac are on a date.
As with previous love interests, they are using the normal means of trying to integrate Aubrey into the flow of the cases (visit to the lab, date interrupted by crime, providing input to a case), but that seems difficult to sustain longer term given her occupation and the show’s format. Putting a leading man together in a serious relationship with a background character offers its own share of challenges, so I remain skeptical of their ability to integrate Aubrey in a meaningful way. And if she is relegated to a background / peripheral character, who only shows up occasionally, I am not likely to care much about the character or relationship.
As for Stella, she is like the proverbial elephant in the room of sorts. Stella’s not part of the specific triangle, but she’s part of the discussion for a few different reasons, I think. If the resolution to the triangle hasn’t been determined yet, it’s possible the answer to Mac’s dilemma will be neither Aubrey or Peyton, which leaves Stella as a viable option (or perhaps alternative) for some.
Another issue with Stella is that, intentionally or not, she seems to be the most important person in Mac’s life (at least when looking at the totality of the series up to this point). She’s the one he seems closest too, the only one he consistently socializes with, and the one he uses as a confidant and sounding board. As stated before, I think the Mac/Stella relationship has been written primarily as a platonic one, but as PV indicated, Mac and Stella occasionally dip into a certain level of closeness/fondness. And that level of closeness, which is more ambiguous to some, continues to fuel the question of whether their relationship will ever become a romantic one. So, when the writers give Mac (and Stella) other love interests, they probably also have to decide how to adjust the dynamic between Mac and Stella so as to accommodate the new relationship(s) while still sustaining what is arguably one of the better relationships in the franchise.
Hmm…so, where does that leave me? Mac’s love life is a valid dimension to explore in some manner, but I think the show has other, more pressing needs at this point. I don’t mind the writers setting up a scenario in which Mac will have more than one romantic option (and in which he may actually date someone)….I just don’t think he needs to make a significant decision (at least not a permanent one) right now. I’m still not sure if that view fits any of the poll options – guess the closest one is Mac should be single for now.
I thought it might be a good idea to delve into it but, this season it seems like the writers have focused ( and not very well) on that and less on putting out a good crime drama. :angryrazz: I didn't start watching this show for the romance. With all the other distractions this season, start a story, drop a story, faulty timelines, reruns and preemptions, ( two more reruns now) and overall crappy writing and plotlines, I'm to the point I dont give a damm who rides off into the sunset with who. I hope that season 7 will be a great improvment. When season 7 does start I have to say I will give them a few episodes to prove to me that they can get back the quality of the show or Iam out of here
