History Main / TheyDo

When it coincides with the RelationshipUpgrade (and sometimes even when it doesn't), a TheyDo sometimes induces ShippingBedDeath- in which case, cue a [[AuthorsSavingThrow last second split up]], getting run over [[PutOnABus by a bus]] or some other malarkey (if a couple is absolutely ''destined'' to be together, the writers wait until a LastMinuteHookup so they don't have to deal with any of that). Some other times, the writers handle the [[WillTheyOrWontThey long awaited hook up]] by segueing into a new kind of story- maybe they [[ChangingOfTheGuard shift the focus]] to a [[BetaCouple newer couple]] to keep the old romance plots open, or the change to married life opens up fresh new avenues for comedy, drama and adventure.

The conclusion of a RomanceArc with a HappyEnding. The point where the last thread of conflict reaches resolution, and we are absolutely, positively done with [[DowntimeDowngrade downgrades]], [[ThirdActMisunderstanding misunderstandings]] and second thoughts. Maybe the story is over now and we're left to assume those two lived HappilyEverAfter. Maybe there's still some story left, in which case we're likely to see them HappilyMarried. Their relationship stops being a plot point and becomes a constant.

The conclusion of a RomanceArc with a HappyEnding. The point where the last thread of conflict reaches resolution, and we are absolutely, positively done with [[DowntimeDowngrade downgrades]], [[ThirdActMisunderstanding misunderstandings]] and second thoughts. Maybe the story is over now and we're left to assume those two lived HappilyEverAfter. Maybe there's still some story left, in which case we're likely to see them HappilyMarried. Their relationship stops being a plot point and becomes a constant. Unless the story decides to start up a ''whole new'' string of complications from scratch somewhere in the far future, they finally get to catch a break. And chances are they [[EarnYourHappyEnding had to go through a lot to earn it]].

When it coincides with the RelationshipUpgrade (and sometimes even when it doesn't) it sometimes induces ShippingBedDeath- in which case, cue a [[AuthorsSavingThrow last second split up]], getting run over [[PutOnABus by a bus]] or some other malarkey (if a couple is absolutely ''destined'' to be together, the writers wait until a LastMinuteHookup so they don't have to deal with any of that). Some other times, the writers handle the [[WillTheyOrWontThey long awaited hook up]] by segueing into a new kind of story- maybe they [[ChangingOfTheGuard shift the focus]] to a [[BetaCouple newer couple]] to keep the old romance plots open, or the change to married life opens up fresh new avenues for comedy, drama and adventure.

When it coincides with the RelationshipUpgrade (and sometimes even when it doesn't) it sometimes induces ShippingBedDeath- in which case, cue a [[AuthorsSavingThrow last second split up]], getting run over [[PutOnABus by a bus]] or some other malarkey (if a couple is absolutely ''destined'' to be together, the writers wait until a LastMinuteHookup so they don't have to deal with any of that). Some other times, the writers handle the [[WillTheyOrWontThey long awaited hook up]] by segueing into a new kind of story- maybe they [[ChangingOfTheGuard shift the focus]] to a [[BetaCouple newer couple(s)]] to keep the old romance plots open, or the change to married life opens up fresh new avenues for comedy, drama and adventure.

Spoilers ahoy, by the way.

The conclusion of a RomanceArc with a HappyEnding. The point where the last point of conflict reaches resolution, and we are absolutely, positively done with [[DowntimeDowngrade downgrades]], [[ThirdActMisunderstanding misunderstandings]] and second thoughts. Maybe the story is over now and we're left to assume those two lived HappilyEverAfter. Maybe there's still some story left, in which case we're likely to see them HappilyMarried. Their relationship stops being a plot point and becomes a constant. Unless the story decides to start up a ''whole new'' string of complications from scratch somewhere in the far future, they finally get to catch a break. And chances are they [[EarnYourHappyEnding had to go through a lot to earn it]].

Ah [[LoveTropes love]]. Source of [[ThePowerOfLove joy]], [[SexEqualsLove lust]], [[LoveMakesYouCrazy anger]], [[LoveHurts despair]], and enough [[{{UST}} emotions]] to power a fleet worth of [[ShippingTropes ships.]] It is also a [[TriangRelations very confusing mathematical concept.]] However, [[RelationshipUpgrade resolving any of that]] into a concrete relationship [[ShippingBedDeath rarely works out well.]]

The change in dynamic often causes a series to JumpTheShark by way of RelationshipWritingFumble. Cue a [[AuthorsSavingThrow last second split up]], getting run over [[PutOnABus by a bus]] or some other malarkey and hope that [[StatusQuoIsGod Status Quo]] can heal all wounds. Maybe, if a couple is absolutely ''destined'' to be together, the writers wait until a LastMinuteHookup so they don't have to deal with ''any'' of that.

But sometimes, that doesn't happen. In defiance of SturgeonsLaw, the writers not only handle the [[WillTheyOrWontThey long awaited hook up]] gracefully, but segue into a new kind of story and the series does not drop in quality (perhaps it even improves!). Maybe they [[ChangingOfTheGuard shift the focus]] to a [[BetaCouple newer couple(s)]] to keep the old romance plots open. Perhaps the change to married life opens up fresh new avenues for comedy and drama.

After all, HappilyMarried does not mean a ''[[MakeUpOrBreakUp problem free]]'' HappilyEverAfter. HilarityEnsues after all!

Often a LoveEpiphany precedes this.

** [[YourMileageMayVary Depends on who you ask]]

* Ditto ''ItazuraNaKiss'', although when it becomes interesting is after they get married. Seriously, just skip the first season.

->''Oh, I know a falling star, can't fall forever''
-> ''But let's never stop falling in love,''
-> ''No, let's never stop falling in love.''
-> "Let's Never Stop Falling In Love," from ''Hang On Little Tomato,'' by Pink Martini

'''Beatrice''': ''I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.''\\
-- '''WilliamShakespeare''', ''Much Ado About Nothing''

[[Comicbook/XMen http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jean_playful_with_scott.jpg]]

* If ''[[LoisMcMasterBujold Diplomatic Immunity]]'' is anything to go by, Miles Vorkosigan hasn't lost one whit of his awesome by being HappilyMarried, and has in fact gained some.

* Odo and Kira's relationship in ''StarTrek: DeepSpaceNine'', which avoided becoming a ShippingBedDeath.

* ''TheXFiles''' Mulder and Scully;, as it wasn't their hookup that spoiled the show, it was David Duchovny's departure. In the 2008 movie, while they do have their issues, they appear to be happy together.

* [[TheXFiles Mulder and Scully]], as it wasn't their hookup that spoiled the show, it was David Duchovny's departure. In the 2008 movie, while they do have their issues, they appear to be happy together.

* [[{{Eureka}} Carter and Allison]] admitted they love each other and spent the night together in the middle of season 4.

* ''TheNanny'' managed to stay funny even after Fran and Max got married.
*** YMMV

** There's also Jacen and Tenel Ka, though they never got married. One of the funniest momments was when Ben Skywalker found out and said:

* Sonny and Chad finally got together partway through season 2 of ''SonnyWithAChance''. They've only been together a couple episodes but the show seems to have pulled it off succesfully.

*** [[FridgeLogic A wedding by what cultural standards?]] [[AvertedTrope Or does the kiss itself remain unaffected.]]

** According to WordOfGod, [[OfficialCouple Aang and Katara's]] kiss in the finale is deliberately framed like that of a bride and groom at their wedding, so yeah, them too