mari

POLIN WEEK 2025 day two — favourite kiss

THE SILLY <3

(This is going to be pretty long, so feel free to scroll if it’s too long for your own taste!)

Okay, so I’ve recently finished season 3 of my favorite show: HSMTMTS. It’s been a huge rollercoaster, to say the least, but I like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the last episode of the series. I think this episode has a satisfying conclusion to the Wildcats’ summer, and I think it is by far my second favorite season aside from Season 1, of course. I don’t think anything could unmatch the Rina love confession, seeing Kourtney sing her way through Let It Go, and get to say hello to Big Red, and goodbye to Nini for the final time. It’s safe to say that I’m very much looking forward to Season 4 whenever it comes out. Anyway, that’s enough of me talking about the finale. It’s time to talk about Big Red and Ashlyn.

The writing and camerawork has made it super obvious that they are pushing for Maddox and Ashlyn to be together. While I love Maddox as a character, I just think she’s the one for Ashlyn. I can already sense their being conflict between her and Big Red in the next season due to Maddox (she’s probably going to transfer to east high) so it makes me feel a little disappointed. However, I’m holding on to the possibility of despite Ashlyn’s growing feelings for Maddox, her heart belongs to Big Red. Now, let’s get this show on the road.

Reason 1: Big Red is Ashlyn’s #1 Supporter

I cannot stress how much of a sweetheart Big Red is. He has been so in love with Ashlyn since Day One, and will always be. Starting in Season 1, he was one of the first people to notice how talented she was. A prime example is presented when Big Red is helping Ashlyn carry food for a get-together with friends. They spark up a conversation on how Big Red ended up in the theatre as a crew alongside Ricky. This leads to Big Red complimenting Ashlyn, “The only thing I’d throw at your face is a brighter spotlight because I like the way you sing.” This compliment makes Ashlyn feel seen for the first few times that season. Despite playing a supporting character in the first season, Big Red sees her as a star who needs to learn how to shine first.

This is displayed many more times throughout the show, but another example is nearing the end of Season 2, after the spring musical, Beauty and the Beast has been performed. That season, we got to see Ashlyn take the spotlight and shine as Belle. To congratulate Ashlyn on her performance, he makes a poster spelling out Ashlyn’s name on light bulbs. “I’ve always seen your name in lights,” He goes on to explain, “You were the perfect Belle. I was proud,” Big Red has always been so kind towards Ashlyn. I feel like aside from physical touch, words of encouragement, full of love. The same goes for Ashlyn with Big Red. She always cheered and supported him when he first auditioned for the musical in Season 2. I just love their positive energy with each other, and I think that’s what a long-term relationship need.

Whenever Big Red and Ashlyn are onscreen, their chemistry is always there. Even before they were together, the show makes it clear how well they mesh together. The looks Big Red gives her every time Ashlyn performs, the looks they share with EACH-OTHER, meaningful conversations with the other person, and Ashlyn shielding Big Red during the storm are what sell them to me. The little moments are so worth it because they truly sell every scene they are in. Especially their kiss scene in the last episode of the first season. I adore how their kiss scene isn’t this huge love confession. It's just Ashlyn being amazed by Big Red’s tapping skills, and giving him a big fat kiss. How cute is that?

Their conversations don’t feel forced. The thing about Big Red and Ashlyn is that they don’t have to say much for them to be on the same level. Despite their conflict in Season 2 where Ashlyn wasn’t exactly supportive of Big Red’s initial career choice, Ashlyn communicates with Big Red by showing up and wearing a Salt Slices shirt. Ashlyn doesn’t have to verbalize anything to Big Red for him to know how much his choices mean to her.

Reason 3: They are SOULMATES.

What else can I say? I think that they’re truly meant for each other. Yes, as a person you make mistakes, learn from them, and grow as a human being. That doesn’t mean Big Red and Ashlyn can’t accept change and grow with each other. I’m hoping in Season 4 that Ashlyn realizes that Big Red is the one for her, instead of it being Maddox. Big Red and Ashlyn already have a special bond of being that extremely cute, and dorky couple. They are the most unproblematic ship (aside from Rina) in the entire show. They’ve already built a foundation of trust, friendship, and love. I think Redlyn deserves a chance in Season 4 because they deserve to be together. It just would be a shame for them as a couple to go to waste, and I don’t think I’m ready for such a drastic change if they were to ever break up.