I hope you all survived V-Day intact, but here at Pop Vultures, it’s not over quite yet (hey, we always have more love to give). This week’s Friday 5 looks at the best TV kisses. These are the most romantic, the most passionate lip locks recently spotted on the small screen.
5. Torchwood: Jack and John
What is it about James Marsters that makes every character he plays end up punching those he kisses? He and Buffy made out after a lengthy brawl, and his smooch with Captain Jack led to immediate fisticuffs. He easily taps into the raw physicality inherent in pure lust and can express it with his fists as easily as he can with his lips. Honestly, the kiss isn’t even the best part of his reunion with Jack; it’s the way it sets off the gleeful, joyous, physical brawl that follows. Now, I’m not saying I want a man to punch me after he kisses me, but as a metaphor for pure knock-you-on-your-ass, take-no-prisoners lust, this one is just plain hot.
4. Veronica Mars: Veronica and Logan
Normally, you can see TV kisses coming from miles away. The writers can build a romantic plot up for years, if need be, putting off the inevitable snog as long as possible and only giving in when the audience is about to revolt from collective frustration. That’s what made this one so brilliant. Logan and Veronica were just getting to the point where they could stand to be in the same room as the other when their chemistry suddenly exploded all over the screen. The writers didn’t bother with any longing looks across a crowded room — after all, with Logan Echolls, it’s not like they had to manufacture angst — and instead threw us right into their tempestuous relationship. I never knew I wanted to see these two together until I found myself squealing like a teenage fangirl when they first kissed.
3. The Office: Jim and Pam
Now, if the writers are going to insist on going through with the longing looks, this is the way to do it. The repressed emotions of this pair over the first two seasons was irresistible. We’re talking about the subtle, delicate, Regency-romance kind of longing, too, which made this scene all the more powerful. After years of not talking about their feelings, this silent kiss captured everything they’d never said. Sure, that’s a bit cheesy, but the fact is that if any man ever kisses me like this, I’m marrying him on the spot. Watch the clip below from the 1:15 mark to relive the moment.
2. Gilmore Girls: Luke and Lorelei
It took four ridiculously long seasons before these two got around to doing what the viewers knew would happen from the first episode. The delay worked, however, thanks in large part to Lauren Graham’s ability to convince viewers that Lorelei really had no idea what was good for her. The moment when she finally, finally figured out that the loyal, steadfast, honest, and rather hot guy she’d been friends with for years was also the guy she wanted to kiss was one of the highlights of a show full of golden moments.
1. Friends: Ross and Rachel.
I didn’t want this to be number 1. It’s too obvious. Too predictable. Too…well, it’s just been done, hasn’t it? But if we’re looking for genuinely sweet, emotional, and powerful kisses, I can’t overlook this one. I’m not even a huge fan of Friends. Though it was enjoyable enough, I often found the humor a bit contrived. This scene, however, managed to press every genuine emotional button. Ross’s pathetic puppy dog eyes were never put to better use. This kiss easily earns its place in pop culture history.
So, what about you? What TV kisses make you weak in the knees?
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February 15th, 2008 at 9:46 am
I squealed at the Veronica Mars kiss too. It was unexpected and yet kinda wanted at the same time. I love me some LoVe.
And agreed with Luke and Lorelai. It was about damn time, but it hadn’t seemed like they were being kept apart for stupid reasons. It happened when it was meant to happen.
I have to give a shout out to Dawson’s Creek though. Come on, Pacey and Joey!? When he FINALLY kisses her in season 3? And not just that one, the one later when he counts to ten first? That’s my weak at the knees kiss right there.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Aw, all lovely ones, I agree. But what about when Mulder and Scully FINALLY kissed in The X-Files? They built up to the damn thing for EIGHT YEARS, so by the time it finally happened you wanted to weep with relief. In a good way.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I love that you included Logan and Veronica! I totally agree - it was the fact taht it was a complete suprise that made it so great! I never get tired of watching that scene - every time I hear the opening strains of Momentary Thing I get a bit tingly!
My personal number one would be Sydney and Vaughn in Alias, in the big post-Superbowl episode where SD-6 was taken down.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Carrie, I didn’t watch much Dawson’s Creek (it involved altogether too much Dawson for my taste), but you’re right about the kiss — Joshua Jackson sold that one.
Plattie, I fear I had long since given up on the X-Files before we ever got to the kiss. I’ll have to go back some day and give the post-movie seasons another try.
And KristinKay, the Alias scene is an excellent choice. I feel like breaking out my season 2 DVDs now.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Good choices! The Logan and Veronica kiss was one of those moments of perfect TV.
As good as the Jack and John kiss was (and damn, that was good), I still have to chime in and say the Jack and Captain Jack kiss in season 1 was even better. And I loved the scene in Pushing Daisies where Chuck grabs some saran wrap and kisses Ned through it.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Oh, Logan and Veronica, that was great. I didn’t expect it at ALL, and it was so hot!!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Heh, having just re-watched the Logan/Veronica kiss, may I just say, DUDE. So much angst and longing, and ANGST! Oh, LOGAN.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
KristinKay - yes, I totally agree with the Alias one. Oh, that was good.
I’m with Kate though about the Torchwood kiss - the one with the two Captain Jacks was excellent and just so well done.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Dave and Kate, that one was definitely good, but it didn’t have any fighting in it! The fighting is what makes it!
Perhaps I should worry about how much I enjoy that kiss-and-punch combo…
February 16th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Marcia, I really agree with you on the Dawson thing. At least with DVDs you can skip through him and just watch Pacey. I’ve found that helps.
February 17th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
I totally agree with your selection and explanation of the Logan/Veronica kiss. The best thing about it is that it DIDN’T have a slow buildup. It came out of nowhere and you didn’t even know you wanted it to happen until it happened. I still remember my roommate and I falling off our couch and screaming during that scene.
Two more personal favorites of mine: Spike/Buffy at the end of the musical episode, because 1) they’re one of my favorite TV ships, 2) it did advance the (really messed-up) storyline, and 3) it was the perfect, appropriate ending to an episode that was one big musical.
I also really love the kiss between Clark and Chloe in Smallville’s season 5 finale. Even though the fate of Chloe in Superman lore has yet to be determined, that kiss managed to capture one of the most iconic moments in the show: the Daily Planet, the faithful, beautiful reporter companion, the impending apocalypse and the hero preparing to rush out and save the world.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Soleil, I have a shameful admission for a TV blogger who loves fantasy shows: I have never really watched Smallville. I will take your word on the kiss, though — if only because the episodes I have seen made me dislike Lana Lang and their twu wuv so much that I’m just happy to know that Clark kissed someone, ANYONE else.
The Spike and Buffy one was good, too, for the reasons you gave.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Don’t worry, Marcia, I’m totally with you on the Jack/John kiss - the kiss between the two Captain Jacks was great, but the one above was hot hot hot.
March 4th, 2009 at 5:45 am
umm..wheres a buffy/angel or buffy/spike kiss?? no whedon fans?
June 16th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Jim and Pam top my list! Followed closely by Lorelei and Luke and the more recent House and Cuddy kiss on House, M.D. Nothing like a much-anticipated kiss between two characters you just KNOW belong together!