‘Shiptober’: Are Rizzoli & Isles destined to remain best friends, or is there romance?
Mrs. Carter: There are a lot of fans hoping for a Jane and Maura relationship.
The relationship between Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles on “Rizzoli & Isles” is a close one despite the fact that these two women come from very different backgrounds. Their on screen chemistry and the depth of their friendship has surpassed many romances on other crime TV programs, but is there more to their friendship then meets the eye?
While it has been laid out on the show that these two are just friends, and they have both have relationships with men in the past, there is a strong fanbase out there that ‘ship these two women and want them to forget the rest and be together, but is that really going to happen? We don’t think that the writers behind the show ever had the intention of bringing these two unlikely friends together in a romantic way, so don’t count on this ever actually happening on the show. That being said, we couldn’t have our CarterMatt ‘Shiptober series go by without talking about why these two should become romantic and also on the flip side why it’s better that remain just friends.
Why they should be together: As we’ve said their chemistry is beyond great and they have a bond that most romantic couples never have, but is that because they haven’t complicated their friendship by introducing a romantic aspect that can sometimes muck up even the best of friends? We think that Jane and Maura wouldn’t have any problem with that hurdle since their friendship has been put to the test many times and they always come out of it together. Jane doesn’t normally open up to anyone, but in her darkest moments, like when she lost her baby, she didn’t reach out to Casey, but instead to Maura. Jane has had a very difficult time putting work aside for the men in her life, but when it comes to Maura she will put everything on hold for her. With this kind of deep connection, it’s hard not to root for them to be end game for the show.
Why they should remain just friends: So far these two characters have been presented to us as heterosexual and we haven’t had much evidence that there is a bisexual side to one or both women. Because of this we would find it difficult to watch them move them into a romantic relationship without more character development in that direction. Wouldn’t we have learned of their bisexuality before 6 seasons in? Perhaps this is an aspect of the women that Jane and/or Maura haven’t been comfortable to divulge to one another, but they are so open with each other about everything else, wouldn’t one or both of them been comfortable to at least admit that to each other? We think they would’ve by now. Last but not least, we love that there’s a cop show out there that’s about two friends that aren’t romantic since so many crime shows lean towards hooking up their main leads. It’s one of the many reasons we think “Rizzoli & Isles” stands out so strong among the sea of cop shows currently in the TV landscape.
Do you want to see Jane and Maura be together or do you like them better as best friends? Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think should happen for these two characters. If you are looking for more news on “Rizzoli & Isles” season 6 then head on over to the link here and let us be your guide. Also, if you want more great TV news sent your way then be sure to sign up for our weekly CarterMatt newsletter. It comes out every weekend and in addition to getting the top stories and previews for the week, our subscribers will also get some first look scoop. (Photo: TNT)
Eva
October 25, 2015 @ 10:43 am
It’s difficult to watch them and NOT see an obvious romance. But that may just be a publicity stunt to garner a wider audience. However, I think they’ve always been more like girlfriends than friends. My fav friendships would be like Meredith & Cristina, Gibbs & Fornell, Derek & Mark etc. And while they touch and hang out just as much as Rizzoli and Isles, the latter’s chemistry is very different. I’d want them to be paired up.
luckypenguinbuddy
October 24, 2015 @ 6:35 am
The fact that neither Jane or Maura has mentioned there attraction to women is not unheard of. This story may be centered in Boston but not everyone is out and proud there. They may each have their own reasons for not mentioning it, even as close as they both are to one another. Even though Maura has never said anything, her actions have spoke volumes to viewers (she screams bisexual). Remember that there are closeted lesbians that have only ever been with men. Many Rizzles fanfictions discuss this very dilemma between Jane & Maura. Maybe they both fear making their feelings known could jeopardize their friendship, especially if their feeling are unrequited. One episode (if handled properly) could take care of this very thing and truthfully not much would really change for these two women on screen. It’s sad, because if one of them was the opposite sex we wouldn’t even need to discuss this.
MB
November 18, 2015 @ 8:54 am
Bit late to throw in my 2 cents, but here it is:
I think there has been one or two hints from Maura Isles that her character is not exclusively straight – I’m not one of those fans who can start listing episodes and quote the exact wording, but there was a little phrase thrown in there somewhere about French women and how she’s never been with one that left the debate of her sexuality wide open – the implication was that she has been with women before, just not a French one. At least that was my first thought.
As for Jane, she’s catholic and I think there are many men and women who were raised in a certain religion that live out their lives, forever hiding in the closet. If TNT were smart, they could really do something ground breaking with these two characters. Set an example so to speak.
As for the should they / shouldn’t they debate – well why not? I think main stream television could do with a gay couple in a leading role and the on screen chemistry is clearly there. Gay couples have been popping up on our TV’s over the last few years, but rarely ever in a leading role.