Steve Marek Is/Was A Spy
Granted, I couldn't have known that trailer was going to reveal so much, but I certainly didn't expect a whole dimension of Steve's character to suddenly shift the narrative that I had concocted into something capable of occupying my entire thought process.
It was the revelation that made everything about Steve suddenly make sense in my world. From Becky's assessment of him, to Shane's interactions with him in this promo. Only a few days ago I was painting Steve as another Oliver, emotionally closed off until suddenly prompted by his own conscience or an aching heart to reach out the woman who left him behind. But what if all Steve is or ever was is a cover. I haven't quite thought through how it was Shane and Steve worked together at USPS, whether it was his NSA cover or he left USPS to work for the NSA during the course of their relationship, but they met, they dated, and apparently Shane was in on his little secret. How do I know this is the case? Steve clearly asks Shane in the promo "Does he [referring to Oliver] know?" to which Shane calmly replies, "We may have to tell him." |
This also suggests that Shane and Steve cared enough to keep the relationship going despite his career choice. But, according to Becky, Steve fits in the category of "emotionally unavailable men."
I don't know about you, but I don't know any men considered "emotionally unavailable" that remember birthdays, buy cards for said birthday, fill aforementioned card with beautiful sentiments like "...just wanted you to know how I felt. I miss you. And Happy Birthday." And I certainly don't know any "emotionally unavailable" men who sign their cards , "Love-Steve."
So, clearly, there was some mismatch in what Becky saw and the truth, which leads me to believe Shane and Steve were on good enough terms that their chemistry and connection could very well still be in tact. Steve still clearly has deep feelings for Shane, and Shane could very well fall back into extremely attractive old habits. Nostalgia can be a powerful thing, people.
The Heart Grows Fonder
So what does this mean for their reunion in Impossible Dream? Well in addition to their seemingly impeccable rapport---which plays like not a single day has passed since the last time they interacted it's that seamless---it means that the likelihood Shane relapses into having feelings for Steve is inevitable. I mean he picks her up in a hug for goodness sake! As much as I want to be super low-key about how much I am loving to ship McInerney/Marek, it all stems from the fact that I like seeing Shane team up with another guy---especially when she and the other suitor fit this well. What does it look like when Shane is completely settled into a relationship? What does it look like for Oliver to be on the outs? How does he feel about it? What does he do about it? |
Cute…But Not Endgame
So while McInerney/Marek seems like a winner, something about it doesn't work. Whether for reasons identified above or something not even on our radar yet, they will part ways by the end of Impossible Dream. I have to say my heart kind of hurts for Steve, who, from this end, still seems like a great catch. But, alas, this isn't my story, and while it might have been love, it was definitely no porch swing---that's for sure!
Definitely not the last time you hear me talk about Steve---give it a week.
Have you checked out the singable synopsis for Impossible Dream that dropped today?
Still In His Corner,
~C