How Do You Like Me Now? Reassessing The TV Love Triangles Of Our Youth

By Joanna Robinson | Lists | September 1, 2011 |

By Joanna Robinson | Lists | September 1, 2011 |

If they’re clever, a good soap opera masquerading as a prime time TV show will dangle at least one if not several love triangles in front of we poor viewers. And we bite, almost every time. In our youth, certainly, we were much more susceptible to this trick. We CARED, genuinely cared who our hero or heroine chose. But then the cliffhanger season finales became predictable, and we put away childish things. Mostly. (ZOMG, VAMPIRE ERIK!) And while love is blind and all that, I was wondering how the passionate allegiances I once held have weathered the ravages of time. Let’s take a look shall we?

Dylan vs. Brandon

I was always a Dylan fan but looking at these 2011 photos I gotta say, Priestley’s looking a bit better. You pop that collar, bro. Advantage: Brando.

Ben vs. Noel
This one was always a tough choice, but in the end I was a fan of Ben.

And while (the very shiny) Scott Speedman has done quite well post-Felicity…

… Foley has done even better. From “Scrubs” to “Cougar Town” to, hold onto your butts, “True Blood” (starting at the end of this season), Foley has been dreamboating it out of the park. Advantage: Noel

Ginger vs. Mary Ann
Ginger. All. The. Way. To. The. Bank.

Ah but the lovely Tina Louise has chosen to plastic surgery herself into oblivion. Advantage: Mary Ann.

Dawson vs. Pacey
Duh, Pacey, I am forever your girl.

Not to slander The Beek, who is looking quite nice these days and has developed a healthy and attractive sense of humor about his time on the Creek but…come on…

Obviously Advantage: Pacey

Dean vs. Jess
I know I’m in the minority, but I was always a fan of Cute Dean.

And, to be honest, I think that’s the right decision. Milo Ventimiglia sort of looks a total drag.

Jared Padelecki, however, is milking that “Supernatural” gig. Advantage: Cute Dean.

Kelly vs. Brenda
I always preferred Brenda, I personally think she rocked that hideous prom dress.

But, um, Shannen, I see your true crazy shining through.

Whereas Jennie Garth here looks adorable. (LUKE YOU ALREADY LOST, GO HOME.) Advantage: Kelly

Brian Krakow vs. Jordan Catalano
Ugh, Jordan Catalano, I hate you. Brian Krakow all the way. Okay, we all know how this match up is going to go, right?

Dear Devon Gummersall, if you look like you wouldn’t enjoy skinning a puppy in your spare time and if you seem like you mightn’t smell like the underside of a consumptive’s mattress, then you’ll have the advantage over Jared Leto here.

Ah yes, totally normal. You look like you smell of soap. Advantage: Krakow.

Jen vs. Joey
This one was a no-brainer too. I was heavily into Joey Potter. I know, I’m sorry. I’m not proud.

And while both girls are lovely still, I think it shakes out this way. Do you prefer Jackie O…

…or Marilyn? Personally, I prefer blondes. Advantage: Jen Lindley

Spike vs. Angel
Oh, the Billy Idol hair? The accent? The cheekbones that could cut glass? Do you even need to ask? Spike was my fav.

You know, I have to say, Boreanaz has pleasantly surprised me. He’s looking fighting trim and is consistently, if blandly, amusing on that “Bones” show. But, I have to say, my heart will always belong to…

…erk…*choke*…