#rucaya

Personal Background

I loved this show and besides Adventures of Pete & Pete BMW was my favorite show. In order, my favorite episodes are: 

And Then There Was Shawn

Chick Like Me

Raging Cory

Cult Fiction

As It Ends

Despite all of this, Shawn/Angela (Shawnangela) retconning I hated the most. In interviews, Rider Strong said that Jacobs begged him to reprise his old role. Rider agreed if he and his brother directed some episodes and Rider appeared in six episodes total. Rider appeared the happiest when he was with Savage, the rest of the time he didn't look like he was trying. Which explains why there was little chemistry between him, the teens, and Katy. Rider also said that he hated Jacobs rewriting Shawnangela's romance for Shaty (Shawn/Katy). Trina McGee, the actress who portrayed Angela, with Strong brought their displeasure up; McGee was never invited on the show after 'Hurricane.' McGee and Strong hated Shaty because of the implicit racism behind Shaty.

Many mixed-raced fans like myself loved Shawnangela since this was probably the first interracial romance we were exposed to in the 1990s, Jacobs even planned that in the original show this and that the fact that Angela was black wouldn't be an issue. Angela Moore was more than just the Black girlfriend, the only time it was brought up was 'Everybody Love Stuart' when she said, "God, I need to get some Black friends." She loved poetry and photography, and like Shawn her mother abandoned her and her father was away in the military so Angela spent a year in Europe to reconnect with her father. To break up a couple we loved just so a little girl can have a father was heartbreaking and Jacobs reasoning that Shawn and Angela "never meshed" and that Angela was meaningless to Shawn. Angela supported Shawn when he became addicted to drinking and when he discovered the truth about his parents then struggled with intimacy, realizing friends-with-benefits wouldn't work for them. Season 6 hinted that they lost their virginity to each other. Shawn's willingness to enter the military for Angela was touching. Sure they broke up a few times but they always found their way back to each other. Why I loved Shawnangela was because their love grew over time instead of instantaneously like Corpanga (Cory/Topanga). Younger fans were indifferent because they didn't grow up with Boy Meets World.

Shaty would've been tolerated if Jacobs showed Shawn and Angela grieve their loss then slowly had Shawn love Katy it would have been better. If they dated of their own choice, they would have been tolerated. Cory and Riley matchmade them; Shawn didn't have a choice in the matter, staying in this relationship only because he cares for Maya. "I care about your daughter," he says to Katy. ('Hurricane') Katy's can't imitate Shawn implying that she loves him but Shawn never reciprocates when he proposes. ('Upstate') As they're saying their vows Shawn admits to Maya – in front of Katy – that he's unsure that their marriage will last. I loved that the writers ended 'Goodbye' with Shawn adopting Maya but what's stopping Shawn and Katy from divorcing once Maya leaves home? By keeping Katy single GMW could've explored single-parent households, and mother-daughter bonds could've deepened since Kermit's departure. Or Jacobs could've written Katy abandon her daughter then have Shawn take Maya in like Johnathan Turner did. With so many possibilities it's disappointing that the writers chose to delete their story's history in favor of a boring option.

But like its predecessor I also had GMW favorite episodes:

First Date

Riley Town

Forgiveness

A Christmas Maya

Belief

Supporting Characters

Isadora Smackle & Isaiah "Zay" Babineuax are the Token minority characters, Smackle was around to be Farkle's third-option love interest while Zay is there to give Lucas' backstory. What do we know about them? Smackle is a Filipino, autistic genius who transferred from a private middle school to a public high school then flirts with Lucas to test Farkle's love for her. When Farkle says that if Lucas ever returned Smackle's affections, he would step back for them. Zay father was transferred from Texas to New York and has a large number of sisters. Aside from being Lucas' second-in-command, Zay is the comedic black best friend. Their actors said that they weren't in the series enough. How do Zay and Smackle feel about being the only minorities in their clique? We never learn anything substantial about them?

Farkle Minkus was the genus best friend of the group, son of Stuart Minkus (Cory and Shawn's former classmate) and Jennifer Basset (Shawn's ex-girlfriend) he comes from a wealthy family and has known Riley and Maya since kindergarten. He was my favorite male character because he was the most consistent, by season 3, I wondered why GMW couldn't be about him since his relationships –romantic and platonic – flowed organically. He struggled with analyzing his emotions vs feeling them. Farkle was agnostic, doubting anything that wasn't tangible and proved by science but was able to quote Revelation ('Belief' and 'New Years'). Farkle discovers his Jewish ancestors barely survived World War 2 and wonders what this means for him in "Christmas Maya." He was bullied in "Flaws" and was perceptive enough to know about Riley's bully. He's possibly autistic ('I am Farkle') and struggles with emotions but realizes Maya's ambivalence over her Lucas feelings. Other than Riley, Farkle was the most complex character.

Prince Charming was the extent of Lucas Friar’s role. Originally the writers planned on giving Riley an older brother named Elliot before scrapping this idea in order to give Riley a love interest. Love interests aren't bad but Lucas had no personality other than that. Any girl given more than five minutes of screen time falls for him so it was a matter of time before Maya and Smackle would. 

What do we know about this boy? Texas moved from Texas to New York in the Pilot. In spite being an academic athlete he's never seen playing sports outside of gym class and even in the gym he's not doing anything athletic nor does Lucas contribute much to his and Farkle sports conversation or his and Riley's basketball conversation. ('Cory & Topanga', 'New World') Lucas is strong as a bull and doesn't know why ('High School'). He can't pass football tryouts whereas Zay could. Either Lucas isn't as talented or there wasn't space on the team. Lucas was on the debate team, got two A's, and attends class so he's intelligent. ('Father', 'Commonism') How do we know he didn't cheat like his friends? He was also held back a year, maybe he isn't as smart as he lets on. Lucas believes in God but maybe he's Mormon? Is he Orthodox Christian? A Wiccan? He has a father ('Friendship'), a Mother ('Master Plan', 'Crazy Hat'), and Grandpa Pappy who the teenagers met on their Texas vacation. What's his relationship with them? He was angry that his father wouldn't take him back to Texas and afraid that his mother would put him in the shed. Pappy and Lucas missed each other but what's their relationship like? Does Lucas have siblings? Cousins? Lucas wants to be a veterinarian, birthed a calf, rode sheep and bulls. We never saw him with any other animals but maybe he has a pet? In 'Fish' Lucas said he was a dog person when Riley said she was a cat person. What's his favorite color?

Is there anything to Lucas Friar that makes him interesting? No. Lucas is perfect. His flaws are perfect. Lucas is aggressive in the way all teenage boys are with raging hormones and poor impulse control. He got into one unseen fight which expelled him from school. One fight would suspend a student but wouldn't expel him. Did the assaulted boy wind up in the emergency room and his parents demanded Lucas be kicked out? Whenever Lucas was involved in altercations he's composed during them. He shoves bullies against the wall and backs away. ('Flaws', 'Secret of Life') He breaks free of his dishtowel constraints, breaks the countertop, and crashes through a window barricade. (’Riley town’)  Afterward, he is automatically calm, someone with anger issues would need anger management training to accomplish this. If Lucas had this problem his friends would take umbrage with him and not defend his actions as being protective. If he had this problem it would happen at more places than school functions. Lucas wants to manage his anger and improve himself but he already had when he moved to New York. It's a shame because this would make a good story goal for him.

I could look past all of this if Lucas had a story goal. Becoming a veterinarian is a career goal but what does he want to achieve by GMW end? Farkle and Smackle want to understand emotions. Riley and Maya want to mature and understand the world around them. The most Lucas wants is a girlfriend and at one point he gets two! Lucas is Prince Charming because that's all the characters treat him as. The parents treat him as a suitor. Cory chases him out of his daughter's room more than the other boys. Katy and Topanga demand answers to his love triangle choice. His friends just discus dating scenarios with him. Lucas is a blank slate and it's why fans shipped Lucas with every character; they projected their wants onto him. Until he developed a personality fans couldn't know which girl he would be better for. (And it's why I wanted Lesbian Rilaya by the finale.)

Moon and Sun: Our protagonists' odd dichotomy

Night and Day's the expression describing our protagonists. "Riley is the sun, warm and bright and lights up my whole day. Maya is the night, dark and mysterious." Contrary to Farkle's statement, his observation is incorrect. From the pilot Maya's equated with fire and recklessness which are characteristics of sun/day archetypes. Her actions are forceful, almost masculine in quality and is the tomboy to Riley's femininity. What's more, Riley is cheerful and Moon/Night archetypes are viewed as mysterious, but most mythologies depicts lunar characters as a feminine, nurturing presence. Various religions use the Triple Goddesses – Maiden, Mother, Crone – as symbolism for female transformation. Riley is the perky innocent in season one yet becomes increasingly intuitive by season three. Finally, Aztec's god(dess) Metztli was darkened revoking its equality with the sun and forcing her into hiding which could be a metaphor for Maya eclipsing her friend in the series."The moon is always jealous of the heat of the day, just as the sun always longs for something dark and deep." -- Practical Magic. I've used this Night/Day expression in order to explain Riley and Maya's dichotomy; Shawn and Cory weren't as opposed as our gender-flipped characters.

Storytelling, archetypal, and shipping preferences influenced fans' favoritism toward one protagonist – and actress – more than the other. Case in point, younger fans conflated characters with the actors who portrayed them, contrasting to older fans finding Blanchard pretentious for her beliefs and Carpenter approachable since she isn't as vocal. (Celebrity wise, Blanchard reminds me of Emma Watson whereas Carpenter reminds me of Taylor Momsen. The former is famous for activism while the latter chose music over acting.) Following that, shipping preferences were terrible reasons why the fandom hated characters all because the rival girl interfered with their favorite couple. The outcome resulted in fandom wars, claiming that the rival was shallow and sparking theories that one couple was more accepting than the other.

Diverging for a moment fans claimed that Riley and/or Maya was boring because Disney's written these characters before. Riley is every 1990s Disney character – the titular Hercules, Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Lizzie McGuire – she's the straight man innocent. Maya is every Disney Channel best friend – Lily (Hannah Montana), Roxie (Shake It Up) – she's entertaining, troubled, and that's why fans like her. Overall, there are no novel stories or characters, but different ways to tell them. As for this show, Maya's favored because, like Shawn, she received heavier, concise plotlines. Fans considered her character reliable because she was vocal, but unlike Shawn, Maya had no complexity. Despite Shawn's dysfunctional relationship with Riley she shares the complexity Original Shawn had in Boy Meets World. Lastly, Maya's liked more because her conflicts are external compared to Riley's internal problems. Transparent problems appear interesting, like Maya's father issues, but because Riley's problems involve an inner torment, like insecurity, they seem invalid. An outside example is Arya and Sansa Stark; Arya is forceful, blunt where Sansa is secretive using her non-threatening femininity to survive.

Adding to Rilaya's dichotomy are the literary archetypes they represent: Riley is the Ingénue and the Caretaker. Maya is the Orphan archetype combined with the Rebel. Innocents crave dual desires of safety and experience, however, their achievements involve delayed gratification thus audiences find them boring. In the show, Riley wants to explore the world, yet struggles on how to achieve that. Contrary to that, the Orphan is bereft of parental guidance, but they're not always deceased. Kermit physically abandoned his daughter while Katy's emotionally detached from Maya. Obviously, they're different archetypes, yet they reflect two sides of the same person. The Orphan becomes insufferable because of their stubbornness and victimization. Maya's devolvement into the jerk friend annoyed fans because she was unapologetic of her actions. Due to character derailment within the show, Riley's naivete is why fans believed she was unintelligent.

Additionally, Rilaya's secondary archetypes contributed to fan's views on the characters. Riley represents the Caretaker, who's desire revolves around healing their loved ones; Maya is the Rebel or the one who revolts against authority even if they're unaware of what they're rebelling against. "You go too far," Cory told her after she activated the sprinkler system. "Why do you have to destroy the world?" Lucas questions Maya in her daydream. As a result, the Caretaker and Rebel shadow sides are of a dual mind like the Innocent-Orphan duality. If they don't practice self-care for themselves, then Caretaker martyrs themselves or are manipulative. Throughout the show, Riley didn't manipulate anyone but sacrificed her well-being for the sake of her friends, specifically Maya. Yet Riley is Cory's daughter and the Caretaker archetype becomes infringing at times. For example, Shawn didn't ask Cory to find Chet ('I Never Sang for My Legal Guardian') similar to how Maya never asked Riley to matchmake Katy with Shawn. ('Master Plan') Nevertheless, Maya's supposed to be Female Shawn and the Rebel's detriment is their recklessness and inconsideration. Shawn detonated a cherry bomb destroying a mailbox ('The Fugitive') and Maya abducts Katy's rival actress ('Holly World'), understandably Cory and Riley are exhausted from rescuing their friends. Also, because Riley can't physically protect her friends her genuineness is doubted. Her protectiveness is her emotional availability like hugging Farkle when someone's bullying him. Or comforting Smackle when she confides that she is autistic feeling that she's inadequate for Farkle. However, its Maya's guidance that gives Riley practicality and Riley's condolence that gives Maya hope. Essentially Jacabs' correct by describing these girls as an "astronaut on a horse."

Finally the fandom complained about Rilaya's friendship almost as much as romantic shipping; codependent yet sweet describes Riley and Maya's friendship, however, this isn't solely a characterization problem. To explain, Jacobs is an odd mixture of Dan Schidner, JK Rowling, and Seth Macfarlene. Jacobs derails his characters for terrible jokes and aggravates shipping wars (Schidener), erases then rewrites canon history without consideration of consequences (Rowling), and cannot write female characters (Mcfarlene). Most of this codependency stems from the fact that Jacobs can't write developed female characters or friendships, which is something Jacobs struggled with in Boy Meets World. Angela and Topanga were best friends but were rarely shown as such, and Racheal was nothing more than the red-head bombshell for Jack and Eric to compete for. Giving him some leeway, female friendships focus on emotional connection rather than collective connection like male friendships, leading writers to tell two girls are friends instead of showing it. "Our most important relationship is each other" or "You're the only one who's good enough for me," constantly being told this causes fans to view Rilaya's friendship as codependent, especially when they say sentiments like "Maya won't tell me what to feel" or "Riley won't save me." ('Rules, 'True Maya', etc)

The problem with comparing these characters is that we know little about either of them, all that's known is that Riley had more characterization than her best friend. What made Maya likable is that she immediately discovered her talent – art – while Riley hadn't done so. In spite of this, Maya doesn't complete any art outside of school settings after 'Upstate' and rarely displayed interest in pursuing an art career. Writers showed Future Maya receiving a SoHo internship, but her career plans aren't mentioned again. Does she like any artist? Picasso? Rembrandt? Kruger? DeVinci? In'1961' recited a poem, later it's revealed that Riley leads the yearbook committee. Eventually, Riley joined the high school's newspaper indicating Riley's talent might've been photography and/or writing.

Earlier I mentioned the fans believed Riley was stupid yet she loves school. Various examples include her straight A average where Topanga competed vicariously with Stuart Minkus through her daughter's grades. Continuing from that Riley's a voracious reader finishing a novel under three hours. Another example includes 'Bear' and 'New Years' where Riley finishes a novel under three hours and reminded Maya about the purpose of fractions. Riley showed promise during the school's spelling bee, she loves science, arguing with Farkle for not letting her participate in the assignment. And while she’s not as creative as Maya, Riley’s picture of Lucas is quite good. (Maya’s Mother) Counterarguments involved Riley's D- in Spanish class yet throughout the plot she attempts to improve her grade eventually succeeding and beforehand Riley wore her disgraced grade as a scarlet letter. Generally, an unintelligent person wouldn't understand this Nathanial Hawthorn reference. Possibly, Riley loves mathematics since she's able to remind Maya what fractions are, ('Bear') conversely, Maya's lazy and uninspired with half her teachers – Cory, John Turner, their science teacher – demanding she applies herself. After receiving an A in Spanish class she tells Cory, "Eh, quit your blubberin', this will go away." Furthermore, Maya has no qualms in allowing Riley to finish her homework, or cheating on a test ('Commonism') or letting Lucas do the entire project by himself ('Crazy Hat', 'STEM') Not to mention that the only class she puts an effort in is Art class. Book Hermione suffered with applying academic intelligence into practical usage yet she was considered "the brightest witch of her year." Riley has the same problem but is considered stupid because of Maya’s street smarts.

Athleticism is another factor that turns the fandom in Maya's favor. Unfortunately, Maya showed little interest in them afterward such as 'Mr. Squirrels' when she said she received a skateboarding scar as a child or is a talented pitcher in 'World of Terror.' Contrary to that, Riley showed interest in physical activities. In particular, Riley actively tryouts for cheerleading ('Rah Rah', 'Brother'), goes on a Knick rant ('New World'), according to her bedroom calendar and 'Creativity' Riley attends dance lessons. (Witnessing her dance implies Riley's quite talented at it and is possibly why she lost some clumsiness in season three.) Due to Maya's shirt collection, it's believed she loved classic bands, in spite that she never mentioned interest in the Rolling Stones and bought her clothes at thrift shops. Similarly Blanchard and Carpenter are talented singers, obviously, their characters are talented as well. More key points are that both girls represent strawman arguments in 'Belief'; Maya's the strawman atheist compared to Riley who is the strawman theist. Maya disbelieves in God because she doesn't get what she wants, "Maybe I would believe in God if I didn't have a perfect life." Riley believes essentially because the plot demanded her to. A similarity is that both girls consider themselves feminists, but Riley openly claims this role. ('STEM') Also, both girls appreciate nature, Maya through hiking and Riley through its calming influence. ('Ski Lodge').

Maya's likability is her self-assuredness in contrast to Riley's self-doubt. I loved this trait in Maya as well. Including her confidence, I admired that this character wouldn't tolerate bullshit from her peers. Simultaneously Riley's insecurity was a detriment to her popularity, a lack of confidence and desiring to become Maya subsequently led to Riley becoming different personas. During the pilot, Riley's crushed when her classmates named her "Riley Superklutz" then mocked her for being cheerful. ('Yearbook', Rileytown) Illustrating these differences include Riley's Harajuku or Goth phase ('Yearbook'). For this reason, Riley's identity isn't  in either subculture, yet inform the audience she appreciates the aesthetics. Using 'New Teacher' Riley loves comics, coupled with 'Popular' perhaps she loves anime and Kawaii Metal. Horrified by Farkle's violent videogame, Riley's nevertheless intrigued by the game. ('Money') Secretly, Riley may love zombie films or loves gaming, yet hides this because of her insecurity. Since Girl Meets World's holiday episodes follow Riley's perspective, the audiences know Riley becomes fanatical during the holidays. True to her nature, Riley's sacrifices her hobbies for another's benefit, like when Riley wanted to give up Halloween for malaria-stricken countries. All in all, I loved Riley's complexity since Maya was never more than the rebellious best friend.

A Cinnamon Roll. Why Girl Meets World doesn't deserve Riley

I'll admit the Girl Meets World fandom influenced my distaste for Maya Hart, but I've always hated her character since 'Maya's Mother' and 'Master Plan'; Maya was entitled and self-victimizing, using her "broken bird" status to her advantage. I realize my statement alienated half the fandom, but nothing about this girl was disadvantaged, and beginning with her home life we're shown she isn't impoverished as implied by writers. With a closet full of clothes and a fully furnished bedroom; the worst thing about her home was a dripping ceiling. Later she revealed that her neighborhood is primarily Hispanic, but she contradicts herself in 'True Maya.' Specifically, two ethnic girls with an African American cop doesn't denote a poor neighborhood, contrary to Shawn who lived in a trailer park with visible,eclectic neighbors. Shawn often wore the same clothes twice, equating Cory's middle-class background with wealth, "Hey, indoor plumbing [means you're] rich." ('I Ain't Gonna Spray Lettuce No More') Maya owned a laptop and Alternate Maya dressed on Hot Topic clothes, these expenses aren't something an impoverished teenager could afford. In all honesty, the Harts are middle class but aren't wealthy like the Minkuses. Other arguments are that Maya struggles academically, "I have no one to help me with my homework" but in reality her maternal grandmother could help her, her friends offer Maya studying help; really Maya just hates school without a reason. An example is that Cory raised her history test grade with an oral exam, however Maya didn't study. ('Father') Lastly, Maya doesn't have family problems; her father abandoned her, but show's little concern about its effects, in fact, she tells the Matthews that Kermit began a new family without her and never buys her presents. (again 'Father') Maya is affected by Kermit's absence in 'Forgiveness' where she said, "It was your job to stay" implying that she blamed herself for Kermit's departure but is apathetic toward Kermit afterwards. Parental abandonment leaves unresolved scars and Maya rarely showed any, as opposed to Shawn who resented Chet and doesn't amend their relationship until Chet was on his deathbed. He was resentful of his half-brother, Jack, because he had a great childhood and non-alcoholic father; Maya's resentful because Katy overworks, not appreciating Katy's overworking herself for Maya's benefit. Specifically to keep a roof over their heads, getting Maya into a proper school, or planning a nice fourteenth birthday for her. (List any episode that Katy appeared in as an example.) Yet Maya's "brokenness" is justification in absolving Maya of responsibility and allowing her increasing entitlement.

Cory bought colored pencils for Maya so she'll pursue her artistic ability, but gives her an iPhone because she had a flip phone, clearly it's not so she'll spy on her best friend and Lucas. Shawn bought her an entirely new wardrobe, even though nothing is wrong with her clothes; they aren't tattered or dirty but because of her "bad life" Maya's allowed to take her friend's moments with Topanga or monopolize Shawn's attention from Riley. After the umpteenth time of insulting Lucas, he fires a zinger back and unleashes her anger on her friends for not defending her. Apparently, Kermit's absence gone allowed Maya to insult everyone even though she can't handle it herself, steal Riley's (unofficial) boyfriend, and absolved of any consequences. Notably, Maya steals a locket from a little girl ('Honesty'), steals money ('Belief'), pulls fire alarms and illegally trespass on a property ('True Maya', the pilot) yet is surprised when her friends disbelieve her that she didn't steal the cash register money. 

Emphasizing Maya's lawbreaking, she kidnapped Katy's rival actress and is intent on vandalizing a statue and still gets away with it; the cop says that he'll forget her trespassing happened if she never does this again. If Zay – or any colored ethnicity – attempted Maya's actions, they would've been arrested. Instead, I waited for any of the characters to remind Maya of her privileges, whether it was white privileges or that she wasn't going to bed hungry or abused, and didn't deserve her entitled behavior. Moreover, this was why 'Her Monster' was more appropriate for Maya's character since she always took her loved ones for granted. A great lesson Jacobs could've done was that a harsh background does not entitle one to everything they desire, you have to work for what you want. (Small Note: Cinderella was Walt Disney's favorite film because of how hard work often give's one their desired goals.) Most of all, Maya was a terrible friend to Riley. Was Riley a perfect friend? Of course not. She shouldn't have blurted Maya's love in 'Texas' then proceed in lying about her own feelings, reworded her statements to Kermit ('Forgiveness') and not mocked Maya's home or love life ('Jexica'). These characters are teenagers and are immature, but Riley owned up to her mistakes while Maya did not; Riley has the maturity for considering potential consequences and other' perspectives yet Maya's immaturity is due to her belief world revolved around her.

Realizing these differences between these girls it's certainly clear why Riley deserved better, and we can narrow them into two categories: one, her friends and family sabotaging this brunette, secondly, every character unnecessarily criticized her, usually with no validity for it. In other words, Riley was the Meg Griffin of Girl Meets World in fandom and the fictional world. Original Shawn wouldn't ignore his goddaughter in favor of her friend. Once the series aired 'Upstate' Shawn belittled his goddaughter by saying "Shut up Little Cory!" insinuating that Riley's nothing more than a Cory clone, saying nothing of the fact that Maya's an imitation of himself. What was Riley's crime besides helping her friend? As another illustration is Topanga complimenting Maya as a "fierce Amazon warrior while in comparison Riley was a weirdo with a cute top. ('Mr. Squirrels') Topanga ignores her daughter for Maya, who collapsed on the Matthews' floor, childishly whining about graduation. Even in 'Permanent Record' Topanga called Maya her "new daughter" certainly the Matthews consider Maya like family, wanting to give her every benefit possible, yet it's at the expense of their blood daughter. Auggie and Josh are unique among her family in that they actually support Riley. Remorseful for destroying Riley's teddy bear, Auggie searches for it when it goes missing; Josh develops ambiguous feelings for Maya but this doesn't prevent him from comforting his niece. ('Forgiveness', 'Bear', Home for the Holidays', 'Goodbye') Interestingly, one adult doesn't blame Riley: Katy Hart. Of course, she'll have a preference for her own daughter, but Maya kept pushing Katy away in favor Topanga until season three. From Riley's perspective, she understands Katy's actions are all for her daughter – she even realizes this before Maya does on Christmas Eve. All of this is odd as if the writers confused whose daughter belonged to whom.

I'm certain there are fandom members who consider these points as coincidences, before re-watching the show I thought the same thing, but supporting characters disregarded Riley, background characters overlooked her, even the writers eventually ceased her character growth and proceeded catering to only Maya. A complaint lodged against this character received was that every character loved Riley at first glance which wasn't accurate. Cory's class was largely apathetic toward her – though this could be in part that Cory aimed his class lessons with an emphasis on the core six. Of the core six, Zay was intrigued, but uncertain of Riley with Smackle thinking similar thought. Missy Bradford hated her because Riley "had" Lucas, and Missy desired him for herself. Unknown Girl ('Don't Like Me') and Cashier Aubrey ('Demolition') blatantly dislike Riley, but it's when they see Riley's true character these characters have a change of heart. Yes, Unknown Girl doesn't accept Riley's friendship –Aubrey accepts Rilaya's friendship – but understands her intentions are pure. (I always made the connection that Riley is like Tohru from the manga Fruits Basket.) Nevertheless, her friends blamed her the majority of the time, especially the boys.

Prior to the new school term, Riley promised Maya that none of them will leave her in high school, Riley isn't afforded this luxury when all – excluding Maya – leave Riley in the stairwell ('Bay Window', 'High School'). Lucas claimed Riley was "too much" for him for the sole fact she didn't support his football ambition, but after bull riding, Riley recognizes other sports are potentially dangerous too. Digging the knife deeper in her back was Farkle, who after school blamed Riley for their entire day, "You ruined our first day of high school." Obviously Riley bore some culpability for her actions, however, the remainder of the clique bore responsibility as well and should've taken accountability for their actions. From their desertion until the final bell, it was the clique's duty to improve their day through their own attitudes, yet they didn't seem concerned that day when they reduced Riley to tears. Fortunately, Riley's vindicated, her intuition in the seniors was correct, she just shouldn't have taken their words at face value. Several episodes later Zay overexaggerates when Riley bites his cookie when Maya dared her to "do something evil," reserving his anger for Riley instead. Why was consuming a cookie unforgivable? Is his grandmother dead or her cookie recipe missing? Over the Christmas holiday, all her friends continuously whine about the Secret Santa – Lucas even leaves the state without notifying his girlfriend, Riley, in avoidance of this – regardless of them knowing Christmas is one of the multitudes of ways she shows affection. Only Smackle, like Katy, doesn't chastise her, though that could be because Smackle showed more camaraderie toward Riley than Maya. To iterate, Smackle may have left with Farkle but isn't enraged at her, instead cautions Riley's leadership possibly isn't appropriate for high school. When Smackle's introduced to the group, she's more comfortable admitting her crush, her autism, and much of her insecurities to Riley than her other friends. Of the girls, Smackle prefers hugs from Riley than Maya as well. ('Smackle', 'New Years', 'Goodbye')

What makes Riley sympathetic is Maya was the worst of her friends when it comes to her unsupportive tendencies, namely whenever a peripheral character appeared on screen, they'd berate Riley while Maya allows her to take the insults. It's correct that Maya defended Riley against names like "superklutz" or against Missy ('Sneak Attack') however Maya stays silent when their classmates were adamant that they don't want Riley/Lucas together. (However, it was equally cruel when they said they didn't care if Maya was around.) Art teachers berate Riley artwork then – though her picture of Lucas was impressive – before praising Maya's superior ability. ('Maya's Mother', 'Triangle.') Two episodes before 'New Year's,' Maya claimed Riley was wrong for believing in God despite slacking off on the assignment herself, and not attempting to understand a philosophy other than her own. Subconsciously, Maya sabotaged her friend by beginning the Riley Protection Committee, but that doesn't help her grow, whereas Maya consciously sabotaged her friend by disqualifying Riley from the spelling bee under the guise of cultural appropriation.* Later in 'Rah Rah' she convinced all their friends to make Riley quit by ringing bells, but Maya should've been a supportive, selfless friend for once; Riley doesn't have the coordination for cheerleading, but was determined to try. In both instances, Maya repeatedly insulted Riley with "Every year I have to watch out and tell you're good. Well, you're not good." Why is she making her friend's efforts about her again, and offering no apology for her cruel behavior? Quite a while later on the first day of high school Maya insulted her friend by saying, "How am I in a triangle with [Riley]" showing Maya (briefly) thinks Riley is inferior to her. Why was mourning her sentimental teddy bear insignificant compared to a taco? When was I supposed to like Maya's friendship?

Very few of the show theories were credible and the Maya/Lucaya theories were laughable; posters, bulls, and sheep proved nothing. However, depression theories were the theories I believed in. Counter-arguments for a Riley depression arc were that Riley's life was too perfect for depression, including that depression isn't caused by a single event. ('High School') A depression storyline for Riley would've shown that depression doesn't discriminate; a seemingly perfect life is equally prone to depression just as one of hardship. I don't believe Jacobs wouldn't have tackled Clinical Depression, Shawn's drinking in 'If You Can't be with the One You Love' lasted one episode but a depressive period he could do. That being said, let's look at the hints that may have foreshadowed a depression conflict for Riley.

Western culture places emphasis on positive emotions simultaneously teaching us to repress negative emotions, "Why aren't you happy? Don't cry, there's someone worse off than you." Starting from season 1 we've seen Riley's fear of imperfection (atelophobia) such as her saying that what others thought of her dictated her than her own thoughts. As her classmates mocked her in various episodes her sense of self crashes down, like when she hid in a locker because of Missy. Riley's cyberbully violently threatens her, "No one should be as cheerful as you. Stop being happy or I'll kick you in the face" – what made the episode strange was that her parents didn't comfort her at all in 'Riley town.' Early instants of her atelphobia occur when Topanga's entering labor, Riley's wonders why her parents are having another child, "Why are you doing this? Am I not good enough?" with an extension of these self-criticisms in 'Bear.' When returning to work –possibly after – maternity/paternity leave – Young Riley begged her parents to remain with her, so Cory gave the teddy bear as a symbolic reminder that they'll always be with her. 'Bear' is now linked to 'Bay window' in that Riley's fear is her loved ones abandoning her, and if she is good enough for anyone to stay with her. Compiling on top of this includes 'Cory & Topanga' when upon waking in the middle of the night, Riley eavesdrops on her parents causing her self-doubt that she'll never achieve her potential like her parents have. Whenever her friends champion Maya's causes ignoring Riley's in the process, Riley compares herself to her friend, the "Pretty Brunette" vs the "Blonde Beauty." Compiling onto that is, is that everyone – from her five friends to her family – expect her to fix their problems and ignore her own, in keeping her composure, Riley internalized her own feelings in 'Texas' by pushing Lucas away and by keeping her bullying a secret. Even more interesting is when the puppet perched itself on Riley's shoulder, "Your father trusts you. Your mother trusts you. Your brother lied for you. Everything bad in the world is your fault. [Riley: "What?"] Never mind. That's for later." Having heard this may mean that her caretaker role, her perfectionist tendencies, her self-sacrifice, would be the elements that cause her breakdown.

Repression becomes rumination and exhaustion, from the previous examples – and what we know of her general character– Riley's obsessive, sometimes controlling. (She's Topanga's daughter after all.) In Season 2, Maya commented that she doesn't like it when Riley is calm. American Psychological Association wrote this about depression and rumination, "[People prone to rumination] exhibit personality characteristics such as perfectionism, neuroticism and excessive relational focus-"a tendency to so overvalue your relationships with others that you will sacrifice yourself to maintain them, no matter what the costs." She worried if anyone would befriend her as a child as well. "I sit here and I hope […] For someone to come in and sit with me." ('Bay Window') When seeing Maya dating Lucas, Riley obsesses over her worthiness for him, and when her classmates dislike her, she did the same. Constant thoughts of this can lead to exhausting your energy from overthinking. Four particular episodes convinced me of Riley's exhaustion: 'Rah Rah', 'Riley town', 'Texas 3', and 'High School.' The teenagers' second day of high school is where we receive our first clue Riley make have physical symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, this statement was played for comedy Riley said that she didn't cry all night because "I fell asleep before I could." Episodes 'Riley town' and 'Texas 3' show the audience that she probably had cried herself to sleep before. Cheerleading proved physically straining so it makes sense that she'd say that she was tired. A tonal shift occurs in the third act when Riley doesn't make the team, when she said "I'm really tired, Maya," sounds more like she's emotionally exhausted as well. (Although anyone would if their friends kept discouraging and insulting them.) While she was faking the flu it's not unreasonable that she could've made herself ill from her rumination. Sobbing in Topanga's lap, Riley is conflicted if she made the right decision about her friends and that she regrets agreeing to date Charlie. Topanga comforts her daughter to "Hold on" then Riley begged her mother not to leave, that she is "a little tired." Cut to the next scene, the next morning where mother and daughter haven't moved from their spot, implying that Riley cried herself to sleep.

Storgic Eros vs Ludic Eros: Rucas or Lucaya?

Like many fandoms, Girl Meets World had terrible shipping wars, and though not the entire cause of the sequel's failure, it did contribute to dissatisfaction among the audience. I'm not advocating for either Lucas pairing since the couples I supported were the rival pairings, Polyamorous Rucaya (Riley/Lucas/Maya), and romantic Lucadora (Lucas/Smackle) I understand audience members gravitated toward Rucas (Lucas/Riley) or Lucaya (Lucas/Maya), and why shipping began among these factions. Rucas and Lucaya appear polar opposite, but are alike in several ways as well: the factions claimed that the rival pairing was tedious, unrealistic and that their rival was incorrect by loving the couple. Incredible news is that both warring sides were correct, Rucaya (Riley/Lucas & Maya/Lucas) were all these traits; Disney has written Love-Hate and Friend-Lover romances repetitively since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and so both couples are predictable because they are both fairy tales. Because these are teenage romances they're unlikely to survive into adulthood. Lucas has always been Prince Charming Maya's is the tomboy princess. Lucaya is a Fabio romance, Disney examples The Little Mermaid (Ariel and Eric), Hercules (Meg and Hercules), Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean (Elizabeth/Jack/Will) to name a few. Riley's the feminine princess to Prince Lucas and they are Jane Austen romances. They’re animated Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast, Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas, and Frozen's Anna and Kristoff. What differentiates the Lucas pairings lis that Disney Channel is more apt to use Friend-Lover relationships.

Adding to Lucaya/Rucas similarities are plot and aggression problems; Maya and Lucas approach situations – and each other – with direct aggression while Riley and Lucas use passive-aggression. Lucaya kept insulting one another, Riley used her internet persona to coax an answer from Lucas, and he used jellybeans to reach a conclusion. ('Triangle', 'Jexica') Plot-wise Lucaya is strange, after several antagonistic episodes Maya develops a crush on Lucas suddenly, and because Farkle revealed Riley's love for Lucas, Lucaya never had any follow through. Rucas, however, had foreshadowing and depth, but after 'Ski Lodge' the writers never portrayed them acting like a couple. And both Lucaya and Rucas fans used fallacious arguments to justify their favorite couple, primarily that Riley or Maya accepted Lucas better, but there wasn't much to accept about Lucas Friar because of his one-dimensionality. Out of the two girls, it's Riley that understands Lucas, not Maya. 'Secret of Life' revealed Lucas' unpleasant Texan self with everyone curious about his past; Maya uncovering attempts fail by using Zay as a third-party, yet it's Riley’s confrontation with Lucas that succeed when she reminded Lucas that friends/couples are honest with one another. "If you say I can trust you, I'll believe you because that's what we do." Later it's Riley who wants to end Lucas' potential fight, mirroring 'Texas 3' in that Cory and Zay pulled Riley back from entering dangerous a situation. (Riley attempted to jump into the rampaging bull's pin to save Lucas before being the first person to jump in when Lucas fell from the beast.) A 'Secret of Life' ends with Riley remaining unaccepting about Lucas' aggression, however, it is her Lucas discloses his fight to Riley; as 'Rules' reached its conclusion Riley vocalized that she doesn't condone Texas Lucas, but understands his Shadow Side is part of his personality inserting the hope that Lucas is able to transform himself into a better person. Finally, in 'Texas', Maya's considered credible because she vocalizes that Lucas shouldn't ride the bull but, contradicts herself immediately by leaving. Her negative statement, "I'll never forgive you if you ride that bull," is interpreted as cruelty toward him because Lucas can't believe Maya isn't being antagonistic which is almost always her natural state. Moreover, theorists forgot Maya was equally complicit in volunteering Lucas for the competition, that both girls were shocked at the bull off screen, and instead of forsaking Lucas, Riley stayed offering suggestions to placate the bull, "Tell the pull you want to become a veterinarian, Lucas." Paraphrasing, Riley told Lucas that if he's sure he wants to ride the bull she'll support him, "Be the hero I know you can be," wasn't Riley ignorance of the risk, it was her understanding why he wanted to succeed. He wanted to regain his honor he had lost before and made his loved ones proud of him, "Thank you for believing in me," he said in 'Texas 3.'

Does Maya know that Lucas can be dangerous? Rarely does she mention his dangerous habits calling doubt on the extent of her Lucas insight, she mentioned Bad Lucas in 'Riley town', "I don't think Lucas will be so calm," but this is through subtext, and when Lucas crashes through their barricade Maya contradicts herself by urging him to lift the bed with a single finger. The next time Maya realizes Lucas' dark side is in 'Ski Lodge' when she wonders why he won't break the rules and Zay must remind her that Lucas lost a year of his life because of that; Maya remains silent. (An argument could be made that it is Riley that accurately judges Lucas because she knows there's nothing underneath Prince Charming whereas Maya needs to constantly provoke Lucas to believe that Lucas has problems of his own.) However neither of them accept this aspect of Lucas, and the only person who does is Farkle since he is the only one who calls Lucas out on his bullshit. In 'Riley town' he ties him up, urging him "Don't turn into Texas Lucas." Episodes like 'New Years', 'Triangle', 'Ski Lodge' Farkle reiterates that if Lucas remains indecisive about the triangle then he'll damage all their friendships.

In order to understand why Lucaya was preferred over Rucas let's look at statistics to demonstrate why Lucas pairings and rival pairings were popular in the first place. This fan fiction site archives over 4500 Girl Meets World stories with Maya and Riley stories representing half of its entirety; no matter how many filters are used, Maya centric stories maintain a slight lead over Riley centric ones. Lucas/Maya pairings – platonic or romantic – rank first with Rucas ranking at a close second, this isn't surprising. Once filtered down to the romantic completed fiction we realize that Lucas/Maya fiction doesn't lead by much, only by 14% (643) with Rucas at 12% (541) of the stories, a two percent difference is microscopic, and the rival pairings – Joshaya (Josh/Maya) and Riarkle (Riley/Farkle) – are tied for third place. Lesbian Rilaya is the only other pairing that superseded all of them, but since this shipping war focused on heterosexual couples we can't include Rilaya. Popularity for these ships is for what romances the girls represented, not the couple as a whole. Maya romances – Lucaya and Joshaya – are instantaneous and playful where Maya often refers to her relationships as a game; Lucaya is their "little game" while Joshaya is the "long game." They're Ludic Eros, or a Love-Hate romance and is why theorists interpreted bickering as flirtation notwithstanding repeated complaints that he doesn't appreciate Maya mocking him. He'll stick a rose between her teeth to annoy her or tell Maya that she can't break him after she mocks his country cowboy heritage. Lucaya is Disney sexual attraction, fire and why everybody can see them as a couple. ('Yearbook')  Passion and obsession that embodies Lucaya are what researchers define as love/lust at first sight. What theorists didn't notice is that Lucaya's death hinges on boredom, once either character grows tired of the other their romance dies. In the three seasons, Maya had been the most fickle with her romances, if she doesn't get what she wants or events proceed too slowly for her she ignores it and moves on. First, she's in love with Josh, suddenly she loves Lucas and now loves Josh again and every character has called her out on this. Josh in 'Ski Lodge' reminds Maya that she loves him now, but that could change, pointing to her Lucas infatuation as an example. In 'Crazy Hat' Maya reveals that Mrs. Friar and Lucas' conversation that she overheard and his calf story bored her. ('Texas 3') Ever since Lucas changed he's boring, nor does help that Lucas and Maya couldn't even date one month ('Texas 3' – 'New Years') while Lucas and Riley's second relationship lasted half a year ('Ski Lodge 2' – 'Goodbye'). Lucaya was similar to Seddie (Sam/Freddie) from iCarly, if Lucas and Maya dated it would a physical relationship at most. Over the long-term physical attraction fades first, once the honeymoon phase ends if there's no commonalities between partners then the romance dies.

Riley romances – Rucas and Riarkle – are Friend-Lover relationships. It's Riley complimenting that Farkle's developed into a handsome, young man or how Lucas admits his and Riley's intimate moments are preferable than the few he's had with Maya. Lucaya had passion but Rucas had intimacy. Similar to Riley's character, opposing fans found Rucas boring because there's no instant gratification, love forms from friendship, mutual understanding and affection as well as attraction. One example is Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher from That 70s Show, who after a decade of friendship are married with a daughter. Real love, long-lasting love develops over time, teenagers beginning to date won't realize this yet. Fandom factions doubted Rucas because of a handful of episodes, those being 'New World', 'Spring Fling', and 'Texas 2.' Theorists commented that Rucas barely dated a week ignoring that peer pressure forced their breakup decision. Classmates, like Yogi, pressured them to be the "Perfect Couple," and along with Ruvas' friends and their parents, interrupted any chance Rucas had for any alone time. Boyfriends and girlfriends desire some time away from the public with the episode concluding with Lucas and Riley deciding to resume dating once they've understood each other as people and when they're ready. Rucas' endgame status is cemented when she catches Maya's bouquet and Lucas smiles adoringly at Riley. Theorists also used Riley's comments in 'Texas 3' and 'Spring Fling' against Rucas. Riley confides in Eric and Jack that she's afraid that her and Lucas' relationship would fail and tells the same sentiment to Lucas in 'Texas.' If they dated, then broke up, she and Lucas may hate each other. Eric tells her that unlike Jack, he calls Rachel every day, revealing that Riley would rather have Lucas' friendship than risk not being in his life. Topanga did the same in Boy Meets World and even in season six, breaks their engagement because she doesn't want a divorce like her parents. (Also this tells the audience that although Riley craves a fairy tale love she still doubts that it's a possibility.) And in reality, friend-lovers worry about this outcome too so this is a nice reflection of real-life circumstances.

Both Rucas and Lucaya are similar in that they're instantly attracted to each other, Maya and Riley immediately notice Lucas on the subway and gawk at how handsome he is. Lucaya theorists speculate through her play flirting that she had always loved Lucas and selflessly sacrificed her own feelings, but Maya "flirted" with Lucas so Riley would be comfortable around boys and since then pushed her friends into a romantic relationship. During "Meets Boy" she tells Riley to talk to him, by the end of it she and Lucas are able to have an actual conversation. 'Meets Boy' and 'Legacy' reveals that they've smelled they other's hair. (Weird but cute.) Maya asks Lucas on a date but instead of accepting Lucas proceeds and asks Riley out. ("First Date') Maya's actions are like Shawn's in Boy Meets World. Shawn asked Topanga to the Sadie Hawkins dance so Cory would, Maya is female Shawn so it's possible that she'd do the same for Riley. In 'Belief' Maya says that Lucas need someone to build him and Riley fulfills that role for him. Another example is that Lucas feels comfortable revealing his secrets to Riley than anyone else with show writers on Twitter confirming that "[Riley] is a calming influence on him." 'Secret of Life', 'Meets Boy' are examples like where he says he helped birth a calf and 'World of Terror 2' has the teenagers admit they both love a television show called Cuddlebunnies, later Lucas showed more concern that she missed Red Planet Diaries. And unlike Lucaya, Rucas had intentional flirtatious moments. 'Sneak Attack' has Riley wanting to learn how to flirt so Lucas'll remain attracted to her and not Missy then in art class she flirts with him in French; Lucas reciprocates by saying in French, "Someday we'll go to Paris." Other episodes she'll lower her voice to appear more sexual. During their softball game Riley feigns ignorance over her mitt so she can flirt with him and playfully slaps his ass afterward. (And Maya nods in approval.)

Overall the Love-Hate aspect isn't the entire reason why Lucaya was problematic, Lucaya's failure stems from the fact Lucas and Maya never fought for each other. From 'Texas' until 'Legacy' Lucas is almost constantly fighting for Riley; from that point Riley begins fighting for a resolution and Lucas. During the square dance, Pappy's home, or the campfire, Maya's passivity caused doubt over her Lucas infatuation. Maya sits on the sidelines when Lucas is fighting for Riley. When Lucas confronts Riley's brother statement at the fire, Maya's motionless. On the Lucaya/Riarlie (Riley/Charlie) double date Maya has to ask Riley's advice on how to date Lucas, showing the audience that Maya's never thought of Lucas as boyfriend material before. Lucas never fought for Maya when he's arguing with Charlie during the couple's game on New Year's Eve. It's Riley initiates love triangle discussions about if they still love each other and is one the one who noticed the seniors' – Thor/Nikki/Francesca – own love triangle asking how they resolved it. In Jexica at least Riley tried solving the triangle while Maya rarely made a suggestion. She doesn't even fight for Lucas when she's told to. During the 'Triangle' bay window scene Riley says that Lucas was her boyfriend first and that she was going to take him back. "Maya, if you like Lucas, then you're gonna have to take him from me." Instead of fighting Maya retreats with, "You'd let me do that?" If Maya really loved Lucas than why isn't she fighting for him? 'Ski Lodge' is the only time Maya fights for him, calling themselves the power couple but since this happened in fantasy this means she never fought for him. And if she loved Lucas why would she continuously flirt with Josh at every turn? Why would she immediately surrender her feelings if she really wanted Lucas?

Canonically, romantic Lucaya wasn't mentioned until 'Yearbook' but Sarah – and their class – voted them 'Best Couple' then Maya questions them why anyone would consider them a couple. Lucas adds that they have never considered each other like that. Maya's revelation – "That's why I love you, you're my brother" – isn't Riley's thoughts, Maya is costumed as Riley but since she isn't we can't know if these feelings are genuine. Katy in the prior scene warns her daughter against assuming about others feelings. "[….] Before you become another person, understand that you may learn things about them you didn't know before [...] When you have strong emotions for someone, it's like you're too close to see straight." Maya is too blinded by her best friend to determine if she's correct. Lastly, neither girl discusses their Lucas feelings until 'Texas' so there's no indication at Maya or Riley's feelings have changed. More likely her brother revelation is a red herring for Maya's own affections toward Lucas.

The 'Texas' trilogy is the next time Lucaya is mentioned in canon but the plotline is against them from the beginning. Riley misinterprets Maya's emotions of that of infatuation but their conversation shows that they're hurt that the other takes their feelings for granted. At Pappy's home and the campfire Riley friend-zones Lucas*3 whose reaction is that he doesn't think of themselves like siblings. Lucaya's almost kiss is romantic but immediately afterward says, "Don't tell [Riley]."  "Of course I like you. Who wouldn't?" isn't a love declaration because Lucas pressured her to. All she admits to is not wanting to lie to Riley.'Texas 3' was about Riley/Charlie (Riarlie) and Lucaya's double date which all four are dreading. Topanga and Farkle discover that Riley lied and she is still in love with Lucas and doesn't want Charlie. Before their double date begins, Lucas marches to Riley telling her that he doesn't want to date Maya reiterating that it's Riley he wants. Continuing from there, Lucas interrupts his own date to interfere with Riley and Charlie's date; Maya kicks Lucas for ignoring her. Then Zay said that Lucaya loved fighting over dating.

Zay: "Well, the thing we all knew about Lucas is Lucas would do anything for his friends. And I never thought there could be anybody else like that, but Riley is."

Farkle: "So you think they are like brother and sister?" 

Zay: "No, I just think they have a lot in common. I mean, Riley would do anything for her friends, too."

New Years' is the most telling episode between Lucaya because Lucas interacts more with Riley than Maya. As the party starts he brushes past her just to touch her, sits closer to her when he arrives, and gets into a pissing contest with Charlie over who knows Riley better. Lucas doesn't approach Maya on the rooftop, Maya does, and her comment "I'm glad you're with me at midnight" was said because she rarely complimented him before. Every time Lucas compliments one girl he says the same about the other. He says that he'll always know Riley whenever and wherever they are when he repeats this to Maya her reaction is "You're not even trying." Quoting "[…] nicknames are a name for someone that can be used by anyone, pet names can only be used by one individual." Lucas called both girls beautiful. Riley's the "beautiful brunette who follows the rules" ('Legacy'). Deep down Maya's the blonde beauty but in 'True Maya' he called Riley beautiful as well. Riley's the "Pretty Brunette" but Maya is just physically attractive to him whereas he finds everything about Riley attractive. "The pretty brunette who never gives up on anyone or anything. And no sacrifice is too big for her friends." 'Creativity' can't be used as Lucaya fodder because, one, we don't know the context of the Lucas/Zay's conversation and, two, Lucas' outrage shows that he didn't want the girls to know they were comparing them. Using jellybeans Lucas decides between girls ('Triangle') with both girls driving him crazy and are too much for him. They're funny and they push their loved ones toward positive growth. Maya does so forcefully ('Rules', 'Crazy Hat', 'Pilot') Riley implicitly ('Flaws', 'Lady of New York'). Yet Lucas concludes that he prefers his intimate moments with Riley over Maya, "It's always been Riley."

Lucas likes Maya because of her hu hurr-ing greetings and calling him "Huckleberry," however, it's a better answer than Maya's answer, "I don't know, he's a nice guy. What's wrong with us both liking a nice guy?" First and foremost, Riley dated him first and if Maya didn't fall for Lucas, her and Riley's friendship wouldn't be jeopardized. Second, if her Lucas love is because he's nice then why didn't she fall for another boy? Every time Maya's confronted with this question she can't answer with anything except "I don't know what I want." ('True Maya') "I don't know how I like you." ('Texas') Her body language displays uncertainty during the New Year's couple game. We know why Maya teases Lucas though, it's fun "tearing him down" ('Belief') and she wants to "mess him up." ('Ski Lodge') Maya jokes that she doesn't want him to become conceited ('Texas') but Lucas is humble. He admits that he isn't perfect nor brags about his academic achievements. ('Flaws', 'Father', 'Yearbook') After winning the class election, Lucas awarded Maya an ambassador role despite the fact that she attempted to blackmail him. ('Friendship') Maya loved mocking Lucas but she wasn't in love with him.

I have three theories as to why Maya loves Lucas:

Theory 1: Maya loves Lucas because of Katy's influence Very little of Maya's home life is known, what is certain is that Kermit and Katy constantly fought. ('Maya's Mother', 'Master plan', 'Forgiveness', and 'High School') Maya would never admit to her parents influencing her of anything and blamed Katy for her father's departure in 'Master Plan,' "She does this. She makes men leave. Shawn's probably in Mexico now." For a girl dismissive of her mother Maya mirrors Katy's mistakes with men. Observing Kermit and Katy's dysfunctional marriage distorted Maya's perception of love; love became equated with arguments and insults. Katy smashed a cake in Kermit's face, then Maya repeats this by pouring smoothies on Lucas' head. ('Forgiveness', 'Texas') Minutes later, Maya confesses that she won't forgive Kermit's abandonment comparable to Maya threatening Lucas that if he rides the bull she'll never forgive him before subsequently leaving him. Shawn berates Katy when they're introduced at the diner; Maya mocks Lucas when they're reintroduced at school. Katy falls for partners who don't reciprocate her affections, Maya does the same. Shawn still loves Angela and can't date Katy yet. Lucas pines after Riley and she returns his love, Lucas can't commit to Maya.

Theory 2: Maya loves Lucas because Riley is in love with him These next two theories vary on the extent of how much you believe that Maya became Riley. Maya portraying Riley in 'Yearbook' or wearing similar clothes doesn't mean Maya became her friend. I personally don't believe she suffered from an Ego crisis – clothes and grades don't equal an identity loss – but Maya suffered from a relational identity crisis. Riley always wanted to become Maya, an identity crisis fits Riley's character because she struggled with her identity When eavesdropping on two girls, Rilaya witnesses the girls' friendship dissolve. Betrayed, First Girl demands answers on why Second Girl dated her boyfriend, Second Girl replied that she was aware of that fact. "I actually went after him just for that reason. I didn't even like him. I just wanted to make you feel bad." It's unlikely Maya would purposefully anger Riley, but she desires everything her friend possesses. Jealous of Riley's family, Maya monopolizes her parent's attention away from Riley. Likewise, Maya wants excellent grades, convincing her friend to complete her homework for her. Overall, it's within Maya's character that she'd love Lucas because Riley already does. Of their clique, Maya had no romantic experience and may have developed insecurities over this matter. Examples include Zay's ex-girlfriend, Smarkle (Farkle/Smackle) with the longest romance of one year. ('Smackle' – 'Goodbye'), and Riley and Lucas dating the most people before dating each other. Also, Maya's never been kissed (Farkle/Maya's nose kiss like Farkle/Riley's chin kiss didn't count.) Adding to that, Maya had never dated someone she wasn't forced to date. Namely that Maya dated Farkle so Rucas can date, then dated Lucas herself because Riley insists that she does. Compiling on this that Maya never had a monogamous boyfriend since Lucas calling both girls his "girlfriends" means that he isn't committed to her. In Maya's favour is that, like Riley, is that three boys developed crushes on her. Both friends had Farkle and Lucas date them while they've had third options in Josh and Charlie respectively. Against Maya is her domineering nature causing avoidance in boys – and some girls – meaning they won't consider her girlfriend material. Maya tells Farkle that he can't handle her. ('Pilot') Josh is unnerved by her forwardness in 'Home for the Holidays' before running away. Whenever she and Lucas are paired together, she emasculates him calling him "the lamb Mary left behind." ('Rules') At most Maya is just a friend to them furthering her romantic insecurities. In Maya's perceptive, Rucas is the perfect relationship. Rucas are attentive, protective toward each other, and as Friend-Lovers they listen to each other; Lucas laughs at Riley's fanaticism over the Knicks as much Riley loves hearing his Texas. This couple is willing to sacrifice whatever possible for the other; Lucas was willing to revert into Texas Lucas for Riley ('Rileytown') and she's willing to jump into a bullpen. Observing them further Maya liked their softball game flirting and was aroused by Rucas' kiss ('First Date'). Envious, Maya thought that if Lucas is able to give Riley a fairy tale love, then Lucas can give Maya that love too. After all Prince Lucas and Princess Maya sound nice. Yet Maya is sympathetic toward her friend, fully mindful that by chasing Lucas, Maya is breaking Riley's heart. How does Maya circumvent her predicament? Maya uses Rucas' breakup in 'New World' as evidence that Rucas wouldn't succeed long-term. Through her self-deception, Maya convinces herself that Riley's love is platonic and dates Lucas without a guilty conscious. Inflicting pain on her best friend never crossed Maya's mind, but Maya's jealousy overwhelmed her better judgment. A final obstacle now separates Maya from Lucas-land: Maya isn't his type resolving this setback by becoming Lucas' ideal girlfriend. Next, Maya undergoes a Riley-esque transformation, becoming Riley in femininity, but not personality. Maya dresses femininely and softens her attitude around boys, explaining her fashion change and interest in Lucas. Riley thrives in interpersonal relationships which Maya mirrors this Riley facet to attract Lucas. Maya lost herself in competing for an unavailable boyfriend that wasn't hers. Ultimately, that is why she changed and why she fell for Lucas.

Theory 3: Maya loves Lucas so she can protect Riley Ignoring the Lucaya dalliances isn't possible, especially since there wasn't enough non-romantic hints to discount this couple. Protecting Riley is Maya's goal in the series, but the question remains how does correspond with Maya loving Lucas? How does infidelity protect anyone? Jacobs holds the official answer, but it's probably as nonsensical as the answer we received. In the prior theory Maya became Riley because Lucas wouldn't notice her otherwise – this adds further significance to Maya's James Bond fantasy – enabling her to unearth Lucas' true intentions. He gawked at Maya in her Riley costume, unable to tell the difference between the girls. Bond is a spy which Maya becomes so she can test Lucas. As teenagers, these girls want a fairy tale love, but growing up with dysfunctional parents Maya understands love isn't always forever. With Josh's help Maya realizes why she entered a relationship with Lucas she wanted to make sure Lucas was a safe option for her. When Maya confronts Riley, she tells her "How do I know if he's the right guy for you. How do I know if he's good enough?" Lucas isn't dangerous, but his uncontrollable rage could potentially harm Riley; no one wants their friends in an abusive relationship. Maya knows that aggression is attractive, but is harmful to people. Fire is destructive as well as transformative. This is the character who formed the Riley Protection Squad and wanted to attack Missy in 'Sneak Attack.' Riley is always pulling Maya back from the edge it was long overdue that Maya would repay the favor.

None of this means I hated Lucaya, in fact, I loved their friendship dynamic from the beginning. I've always had more men friends than women friends and Lucaya reminded me of the cross-gender friendships I'm a part of. Whenever they were paired together they had great comedic timing like the card eating scene. Maya grabs everyone – excluding Smackle and Josh – by the collar. Anytime one of the boys had a prominent scene she grabbed them by the shirt. Maya does this to Zay, and Lucas in the bakery ('High School 2') and whenever Farkle is around. That's the exact reason he kissed her nose in 'True Maya.' She grabbed Riley's dress collar in 'World of Terror 3'. Smackle is exempt probably because she and Maya aren't close friends. Josh is exempt because he's the boy she actually likes. 

Unlike other girls, Maya doesn't ogle him like Smackle or Missy. She doesn't treat him like a love interest like Riley and Lucas treat each other. Maya interacts with Lucas like the regular boy that he is. The episodes 'Washington' and "Creativity' Maya says that she finally trusts Lucas as a friend and that she is glad that they're friends. "You could never hurt me" from 'Ski Lodge' is an indication of their friendship. Fans aren't wrong for shipping them together, but Lucaya wasn't endgame because after. Girl Meets Sixteen's taping Jacobs told the audience, "If we listened to fans- and we hear about Lucaya, and Riarkle and Rilaya all the time, we see what you say- the story we want to tell would be dissipated." 

Could I see them as a couple if they were well planned? Yes. What makes fictional Love-Hate lovers successful is in its foreshadowing when the two characters begin as antagonists, manage to form a friendship – or some kind of camaraderie – and then become lovers. Examples I loved were Zane/Rikki (Nickelodeon's H2O: Just Add Water), Niles/C.C (The Nanny), Draco/Ginny (Harry Potter), and all Xena couples because grow happened between them. (Except for Draco and Ginny since that's a fanon couple.) Niles and C.C pranked and insulted each other but in all five seasons, they became friends, would kiss and have sex, making them fall in love believable. Lucaya became a genuine friendship but not a romance.

Non-Triangles

Opinions further split the fandom with fans debating if a love triangle was warranted, Girl Meets World's story never supported this specific plotline. Removing this triangle changes nothing of the show except Riley and Lucas would've reconciled faster and Maya would've determined her mindset on her own. Jacobs tweeted that Rucaya's love triangle was a "non-triangle" and he was correct.; love triangles need conflict and resolution which his plot never possessed. A successful version was 'Bee True' focusing on Mr. Feeney's relationship with Dean Lila Bolander. Stakes are intensified because if Feeney doesn't speed up his game, Bolander will reconcile with her ex-husband. What's more, 'Farkle's Choice' revolved around Farkle deciding which girl will escort him to an awards ceremony. Conversely, Rilaya's pranking and insulting for the privilege to date Farkle. With friendships splintering apart, Farkle denies them as his dates. Neither blonde nor brunette vies over Lucas, trying to seem forlorn that they love each other. "We'll check again tomorrow," Maya said, indicating that this indecision is a constant thing. It's admirable Lucas worries he'll ruin the girls' friendship but this doesn't happen and a catch-22 develops. If no one fights for him, there are no reasons for his delayed decision hence there's no reason to choose either girl.

Out of the ten love triangle episodes, two contain potential conflict those being 'Triangle' and 'High School 2.' After asking how the seniors resolved their love triangle, their response is that their triangle's lasted four years. Rucaya remained different from the seniors' conflict in that their triangle ended but the audience hadn't known that yet. Therefore Rucaya possibly could've repeated the seniors' mistakes. Continuing from 'High School' was 'Triangle' where our second conflict arises when Rilaya spied on two schoolgirls in the restroom. First Girl – symbolic of Riley – and Second Girl – symbolic of Maya – ended their friendship over their boyfriend (Second Girl: "I wish I never knew you!" First Girl: "I wish you never climbed through my bedroom window.") Implications are clear, if Maya and Riley don't – or won't – discuss their situation, their friendship will end. Like the above example, this consequence never came to fruition but some consequence needs to happen. No character investment translates into the audience not remaining invested with a prolonged triangle.

Technically, the 'Ski Lodge' fantasies have conflict, on the other hand since these daydreams happened in the teenagers' minds, neither girl fought for Lucas. Although the daydream sequences have merit when Maya/Riley intrude on the other's fantasy. Riley's correct in that Maya's Lucas Love isn't reality; flirtation and constant fighting destroy romance. Shortly afterward Maya destroys her relationship literally, and metaphorically, by detonating the bomb. Nonetheless, Maya is also correct in informing Riley of the "death of love" because, without effort, faith won't keep love alive.

Human characters often have tragic flaws, the triangle's Achille's Heel was its conclusion. Everyone dictated and defined the other's emotions; Josh defined Maya's feelings who in turn told instructed Lucas' actions on the matter. Joshaya's conversation is the most believable because Maya admits she doesn't like Lucas like the way she likes Josh. And she says this of her own volition. It doesn't excuse Riley was cheated the most, who had no input in the entire arc. Maya joked that Lucas would choose her – she did the same in 'Upstate' – and to tell Lucas he loved Riley. At each suggestion, Lucas appeared dumbfounded at Maya's statements. "Tell Riley you love her. It will make me happy," Since 'Yearbook' Riley was forced out of her Lucas relationship. Her classmates forced her out, later she'd forced herself out in 'Texas' and her friends doesn't give it a second thought. Half of Riley's other friends are fickle over her relationship. For this reason, Riley is chosen by default even though it's been foreshadowed since the pilot that Rucas were endgame. Couple this with the fact that Riley's the chosen one, but isn't given time to reflect on her feelings that she's who Lucas wants. Still, Rucas' conversation where they agree that what they do for themselves, they'll do for the other is heartwarming. Regardless of the outcome, Lucas fanatics would've been outraged either way. In the writers' defense 'Ski Lodge' had an advantage of moving the resolution in their favor, Josh was the sole character with credibility and unbiased perspective.

The longest scenes involved Josh in this two-parter and due to their duration, his role gains importance here. Actuality, Josh's return was originally in 'New Years' and Legacy' before Uriah Shelton's accident forced writers to alter the storyline. Moving on, the Rucaya trio all ask for Josh's input at some point in the episodes. Riley asked Josh why she and Maya liked the same boy, then Maya asked him why she acted in the ways she did. Not to mention, Lucas asked Josh what it meant that Riley and Evan talked all night. We can conclude that these three respect Josh's opinion and authority, so as the audience we're supposed to do the same.

Second-hand information is all Josh knows about this love triangle, but he's known Riley and Maya since childhood giving Josh some understanding of their personalities. He's aware that Riley's nurturing and open-minded whereas Maya's cynical and headstrong. But they're identical because both crave boyfriends who can broaden their horizons. Specifically, Maya desires an adventurous partner who can take down the world, as opposed to Riley craves a partner she can embrace the world with. Generally speaking, Josh has the triangle pieces, he doesn't have them all, but enough to make a judgment about the girls. Josh's unbiased behavior originates from the fact that no in this conflict has a clear perspective. Rucaya is biased because the conflict revolves them, with the supporting characters being unbiased because of their inconstancy. Zay is as indecisive as Lucas, and Smackle kept flirting with them. Farkle has a bias because he pressures Lucas' choice without grasping possible consequences himself. Also, it's assumed that Farkle wants Lucas to decide not just for his own mental peace, but more for the greater good of their clique. ('Triangle', 'Upstate') To say nothing of Evan wouldn't be fair, except he's only just met everyone, and show more affinity toward Riley. Lastly, the parents aren't unbiased because they will want Lucas for their own daughter. ('Upstate') What separates Josh from those listed is that he has no emotional stake allowing him a better perspective.

How I would've concluded the triangle is by denying Rucas and Lucaya to win because by having the girls reject Lucas, they're given roles of the romantic subject instead of the romantic object. With Rucas and Lucaya broke up, our protagonists learn two significant lessons: one, Maya and Riley learn fairy tale romances don't happen. Most importantly the trio – and audience – learn you are not owed a relationship, a boy/girl isn't a prize. Surprisingly, no one earned their relationship with each other; Lucas doesn't deserve them because he delayed deciding between the two years. Maya doesn't deserve Lucas because she never fought for her relationship, and Riley doesn't deserve it because she kept renouncing her Lucas relationship. By following a breakup outcome, the writers could have explored each characters' perspectives of their breakup. Does Maya eat ice cream, then punch a wall to deal with her heartbreak? Does Riley skip school, and go for walks to deal with her emotions? Maybe Lucas reverts into Texas Lucas before crying afterward. Anything would have been better than the canon ending.

Rival Couples

What makes Joshaya and Riarkle/Riarlie, and Rilaya popular is what made the Lucas pairings popular with the added reason of not wanting Lucas to get the girl. What separates Joshaya from Lucaya is that Joshaya is reciprocated and intentional. Riarkle I platonically and romantically shipped but in many ways I preferred Riley/Charlie over Riley/Lucas. 

Charlie Gardner wasn't as creepy except whenever Lucas confronted him over Riley. Charlie asks Riley to the spring formal and thinking he was Lucas she accepts his invitation. A hurt Lucas confronts them both and Charlie rightfully informs Lucas that if he wanted to date Riley he wouldn't have assumed that they were already going. When 'Texas 3' aired Lucas confronts them again with Charlie saying that if he was certain about Riley he wouldn't have agreed to date Maya. Lucas had his chance and Charlie wants his chance with her. This continues up until New Years Eve when Lucas argues with Charlie during the couple game, but Lucas being a creep isn't discussed after Smackle called him out on it. On the rooftop Charlie wants Riley standing with him at midnight then Riley tells him that he shouldn't settle for a girl who can't return his feelings. Charlie's saddened but not angry, and wishes that she find someone who can make her happy. Charlie even sits with Auggie (her brother) during the countdown to show he isn't angry at Riley. Like their classmates he is shocked at Farkle's revelation but nothing more. Consideration is what I liked about this couple even though Riley/Charlie lasted three episodes.

Complaints against Joshaya are: that Josh is a pedophile manipulating Maya's affections, Josh and Maya haven't known each other long enough to fall in love, and that they don't know anything about each other. What these statements mean is that said fans don't like Joshaya because it doesn't support their own pairing. 

Using the Boy Meets World timeline Josh is only 2 years, 6 weeks older than Maya. Eric was born June 1978 with Cory three years younger than Eric and  Josh born prematurely on Valentine's day 1999 when Cory's approximately 18 years old. Riley was born December 2001 and Maya says in 'Ski Lodge' that there's six weeks between her and Josh's birthdays. If Josh's birthday is 14 February then Maya's birthday falls on the last week of March or January. Technically Josh should only be a senior in high school and Maya a freshman by season three. 

Using Girl Meets World's timeline Joshaya's age difference still isn't illegal. When we're first introduced to Josh he is seventeen and has yet to graduate high school, and by season three Maya's fifteen and Josh is barely eighteen. With Romeo & Juliet laws if these two had sex it wouldn't be illegal. This is Disney Channel and the network bleeped out the sex-ed scene. Disney isn't going to tackle sexual relationships.

'Home for the Holidays' showed us that Maya and Josh haven't just met. Amy greets Maya by saying that it had been a while since they've seen her, and Josh says she grew up gorgeous. A stranger wouldn't have this familiarity like Maya and Josh do. Either Cory and Topanga bring Maya along with the family to Philadelphia often or Amy, Alan, and Josh visit New York often. Why the fandom thought this was Joshaya's first meeting was because of audience generations. Younger fans haven't heard of Joshua Matthews and this is their first time meeting this character. 1990s fans haven't seen this character in almost a decade and Josh seems strange because a new actor (Shelton) is portraying Josh instead of Jacobs' son. Jacobs confirmed in an interview that this wasn't the first time Joshaya met just that this is the first time Maya's developed a crush on him. Later Josh tells everyone in 'Game Night' that he'll be spending summer vacation with his brother and his family before beginning college. Maya and Josh will have three months to become more acquainted with one another.

Why I support this ship is that they are perceptive of each other. In 'Game Night' Josh realizing that Maya is maturing and in the ending of 'Tale Tot' admits that he needs to stop treating her like a child. During this episode, Maya says that she loves care caring he is around his family, particularly Auggie, and how he treasures his friendship with Cory. She admires how much he wants success but is afraid of letting his brother down. 

“I know you drive from Philadelphia to New York, not even looking if you got into NYU just so you could open your acceptance letter in front of your older brother because you love him, and you want him to be proud of you. And I see the way you are with Auggie. A little kid who looks up to you who you always have time for. And I know that even though you’d rather stay here with these girls, you’re going to walk Riley and me home. Because that’s just the kind of guy you are. I like you.” 

Maya's attracted to older boys because she's had to grow up faster than her peers. She wants someone who is ambitious. Finally, in 'Ski Lodge' it's Josh's turn to say what he's noticed about Maya. First off, he is fully aware that her feelings may change, pointing to her Lucas phase as an example, and that he crush on him maybe because she is searching for a father figure in a boyfriend. "Maybe it's because your dad left. Maybe it's because you've never felt that love." What he likes about her is that her experiences have made her one of the best friends anyone could have. He loves that her experiences have given her the warmest, biggest heart he's seen.

If three years are meaningless then why don't they date now? Since they aren't dating then doesn't that mean Josh is manipulating Maya?

No. It's awkward for Josh because he had seen Maya grow up and hasn't thought of her romantically yet. Maya's insecure about this when she sees him with the college recruiter or his roommates. ('First Date' and 'Tale Tot') During family game night Josh isn't unnerved by Maya's love and tolerates her flirting but he is still uncertain as to what it all means. By 'First Date' Josh's rejection by the recruiter allows him to empathize with Maya over her feelings toward him. By 'Ski Lodge' Josh gives his reason why they shouldn't date now. He doesn't want her pining after him for an eventually that may never come and that they should be on equal life levels before they begin dating. He reiterates this to Zay in 'Bear' by adding that whenever he and Maya date it will be Maya's decision in how they proceed. In 'New World' Rucas wanted to wait until they were ready but when Joshaya wants that too it's considered abusive or creepy. (And if the rumors were true the writers always intended to pairing Maya with a Matthews member. Before Elliot was written out the writers said Maya would end up with him.) I loved this because Josh is giving Maya a choice where Lucas never had. This is consent.

Who's to Blame: Jacobs or Disney?

Was Jacobs to blame with his sequel? No, his flaws were authorial intent and planning. Jacobs intended to gender-flip Boy Meets World, but he did not foresee a ship war and a broken fandom. He didn't intend for his new characters to regress into shallow imitations of Cory and Shawn. Over telling was the show's problem but from the beginning Jacobs had an uncertain audience. Generation Z was his targeted audience but teenagers may not be watching Disney Channel anymore and elementary school children comprise the network's audience. Children won't find a teenager's problems relevant yet. The 1990s generation sympathizes with Jacobs' plots but we're at different life experiences - college, children of our own – and we can't relate to them anymore. Who does Jacobs cater his storylines to?

Yet the Disney executive weren't blameworthy either. Hosting Girl Meets World was an intelligent decision on the network's part. Through the 1990s the Disney corporation fought for ABC/ABC Family networks and after Boy Meets World finished on ABC Family Disney Channel hosted reruns on its network. Taking on Girl Meets World would tap into the nostalgic market and help them sell merchandise and celebrities. When the series lost viewership mid-season 2 due to scheduling changes, this might have been why the love triangle was added into the storyline. The show made little income in terms of school supplies and dollar store book tie-ins. It's not surprising that Disney would prematurely cancel the show after three seasons. Consequently, canceling the show cemented the sequel's fate. If a host network can't remain invested in its own show, why should others like Netflix or Hulu invest in this show as well?

Conclusion

Comparing this show to Boy Meets World is unfair, by that comparison of course Girl Meets World is inferior. As a continuation, especially for a the Disney Channel this wasn't a bad show. What this show needed was a few more female writers and maybe another year to finetune Jacobs project, but I definitely would suggest Girl Meets World as a watchable television show.

http://gmw-trashs96.tumblr.com/post/134019376552/riley-matthews-metaish

http://sand1128.tumblr.com/post/157881155125/what-do-you-mean-severe-power-imbalance

https://mackmeta.tumblr.com/post/173838951689/accurate-girl-meets-world-colour-theories

http://fallen-karmacode.tumblr.com/post/132519063506/the-logic-of-love-stories-and-girl-meets-world

http://lewissimon.tumblr.com/post/155083626213/maya-and-lucas-vs-maya-and-josh-click-gifs-for

*1 Negative appropriation involves malicious intent, something Riley doesn't possess. Furthermore no one of Japanese descent offers their viewpoint so 'Popular' can't be considered negative appropriation. 'Girl Meets White Guilt' is an appropriate title instead of 'Popular.'

*2 Greek Loves are Storge, familial love; Eros, sexual love; Agape, universal love; Mania, obbssional love; Ludos, playful love; Pragma, practical love; Philia, brotherly love; and Philautia, self-love. Color Wheel theory of love describestromantic love using primary, secondary, and tertiary colours. For example Stogic Eros or Agapic Mania.

*3 The friend-zone doesn't exist. It blames girls for not reciprocating boy's feelings.

*4 Smurfvlogs is blinded by his shipping preferences to give a proper critique. Whether is Vampire Diaries or Disney programs he condemns opinions differing from his own. Better critics include: Lindsay Ellis (former Nostalgia Chick) who analyzes nostalgic shows without bias. Pop Culture Detective analyzes media that's detrimental to men and women. A great essay is Abduction As Love or Ellis' essay about RENT. The Disney Brain and Twisted Dan review Disney Channel work from Generation Z's perspective. And if you're look for shipping or theory channels, check out Shipper's Guide to the Universe or Game/Film Theory.

*5 plutoandferrett . tumblr post / 147762267190 / if-we-listened-to-fans-and-we-hear-about-lucaya

: Pan In, night time at Ski Lodge. Core 6 sitting around the fire, theme instrumental music playing, fades out, zoom in on kids:

: Lucas and Zay on couch, Maya on chair stage left, Smackle and Farkle on couch stage right, Riley on floor center stage by coffee table:

Smackle: How about we engage in some young adult recreational activity. : Winks awkwardly: : Everyone looks at Smackle funny, questionably: Smackle: Let’s play a game? Everyone: Ohhhh. Riley(hesitatingly): Maybe we shouldn’t… Lucas(sarcastically): Yeah, cause that always goes so well. Zay: I think it would be a great time. : Everyone stares at Zay: Zay: What? Did I miss something? Maya: Nah, he’s right! C’mon Huckleberry, whaddya so afraid of? : Maya leans forward as she asks, raises eyebrows: Lucas: Nothing. I’m afraid of nothing. : Throw’s hands up in the air:

: Maya smirks mischievously, satisfied: Farkle: What game should we play? Corey (off screen): NO TWISTER!!!!! Maya: Ok…How about…” Truth or Dare”! Lucas(exasperated): Oh. Great! Smackle: Maya I have never played this game. (speech quickens) How does it work? What are the rules? Is there a manual? How do we keep score? I WILL BEAT ALL OF YOU! : Shoot’s arm’s up: Maya: Nobody wins. Smackle (in disbelief): NOBODY WINS?! Maya(chuckling): No Smackle, nobody wins. And no manual or game pieces either. Ya just ask someone to pick truth or dare and if they pick dare, you make them do something crazy or funny. If they pick truth... (sits back in chair), well, then you gotta ask them a personal question about themselves.: Pause: It’s a real juicy game. Lucas: It’s a real bad idea. Zay: Well it sounds like a good one to me! :rubs hands together: So, who goes first? Smackle(hurriedly): ME! :arm shoots up again: Riley (chuckling): Okayyy Smackle, truth or dare? Smackle: I want to ask the questions! Riley: But Smackle you just said you wanted to go first? Smackle (interrupts, stands up and points at Riley): LET ME ASK THE QUESTIONS BUBBLES! :Compiles herself, sits back down, smooth’s dress, slowly turns towards Riley: Riley, truth or dare? Riley (laughs): Okay, uhm, truth, I guess?: Smiles and shrugs: Maya: Aww, ya wussy! Riley (half laughing): Maya! Maya: What? Just sayin… :Sits back in chair, half eye roll, pretends to file nails, crosses legs: Smackle: Okay Riley. Who was your first kiss? : Everyone stares at Smackle: Smackle: What, did I say something? Riley: No, it’s just… Smackle: The questions are meant to be personal, am I correct? And a first kiss is a very personal moment in a female’s life. It is very intimate. It is a milestone. Some have concluded that a young person’s first kiss will ultimately determine the way they will- Riley (Half jumps up from the floor): Lucas! My first kiss was Lucas. On the subway. After our first date. :Smiles at Lucas, sits back down: Hi. Lucas: :Smiles back: Hey… Maya: Uh, Riles? Riley: Peaches? :Still staring at Lucas smiling:: Maya: Technically Lucas wasn’t your first kiss. : Farkle coughs loud and awkwardly: Smackle (Places hand on Farkle’s shoulder): Are you Okay, Darling? Farkle (Through teeth, staring at Maya): Fine. Riley (Also staring at Maya with concern): Maya. Maya: What? I’m just sayin, we were all there, and technically Lucas wasn’t your first kiss. Technicallyyyyy your first kiss was- Riley (With urgency): MAYA! Maya: …Farkle. Your first kiss was with Farkle, remember?

: Chuckles to herself, almost talking to herself, remembering: 

You lied about him being good in that dumb play, even though he completely ruined it (Turns to Farkle)- No offense- And he got Farkley over you being all “sunshine and rainbows’. He was soooo excited you got him to try a new thing, even though he was toootally terrible at it. So he kissed you. On your face. :Interrupting herself: Well, I guess it was kind of on your chin. But it still counts! Did ya really think I’d let you forget about that? 

:Maya makes smirky fishy kiss face at Riley: : Smackle, no longer smiling or excited, stares at Farkle perplexed:

Smackle: Farkle, is this correct? Farkle (scrambling/rambling on): Well, if we are going by the technicality of it all, deductively reasoning if it really occurred and deciphering the fact of if our faces actually touched then I guess yes My Lov-e-sis, it happened. But when you really chronologically break it down to the propensity of- Zay: Oh man, this is so much better than I thought it was gonna be. Lucas: Did I not just say we shouldn’t play games together? Smackle: Farkle I know I am not very physically affectionate with you when we are together but I have always imagined our first kisses were to be with one another. Now I am coming to find out that you have shared a kiss with another woman?! How could you have not told me of this? How could you lie? Farkle (sounding desperate): As I said, technically we kissed, but- Riley (Looking horrified/frantic): Smackle, it was a long time ago and Farkle was just really grateful I gave him some confidence, you know? it was no big deal, I promise. It meant nothing. Farkle: Nothin!!! Smackle: Farkle, do I not make you feel confident? Zay: Oh I see where this is going. Farkle (softly/hesitatingly): Well if we are being truthful, sometimes it is hard to feel confident around you, My Dearest, we both know your level of IQ surpasses mine. Smackle: I told you I regarded us as equals. Farkle (softly, tenderly): Yes. But that doesn’t mean that I do.

: Paused awkward moment, everyone still, Farkle staring at Smackle:

Riley (Breaking silence awkwardly, too loudly, grandiosely): Well the important thing is it didn’t mean a thing to either of us. I mean I barely even remember it. Farkle (slightly annoyed): Yea, right. You said that already. It meant nothing. To either of us. Lucas: Why do I suddenly feel really uncomfortable? Zay: Cause they keep sayin it meant nothing, but that’s makin it look a lot like it meant something.

: Lucas smacks Zay:

Zay: Man I told you! STOP doin’ that! Maya: Maybe we should change games. Zay (pointing and waving finger at Maya): Yeah, this is your fault.

: Lucas smacks Zay again:

Zay: DUDE! Farkle (getting more extremely agitated): Guys, no need to feel uncomfortable. Like we said, it was nothing. Right Riley? It meant absolutely nothing? : Stares hard at Riley, dead serious, does not break gaze: Riley (Flippantly, obnoxiously, but also increasingly agitated): Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zero. Zilch. Squat!

: Farkle and Riley keep steady gaze:

: Long, silent, awkward pause:

Lucas: Guys? What’s going on here… Farkle and Riley unanimously (yell): NOTHING! Riley: Fineh! :Sticks out tongue: Farkle: Fineh! Maya: Hey, hate to break this up but, where’d Smackle go? : Everyone looks around, Smackle has exited stage: Zay: Well…this does not bode well. Farkle: No. No it does not.

: Farkle stands up, one quick glance at Riley, audience view ONLY, Farkle runs off stage after Smackle

: Riley watches him run off, concerned:

: Everyone else looks at each other, concerned and confused:

Zay (Breaking silence): So .....I guess that’s why we don’t play games in this group of friends. Good. To. Know. Lucas (Concerned): Riley? What just happened? Riley (Somewhat unconvincingly, way too softly, avoiding Lucas’ gaze): We told you, nothing… Lucas(frustrated): Right. Nothing.

: Lucas exits stage:

Zay: I’m, gonna go….Yea, I’ll be back

: Zay runs off and exits stage after Lucas: : Maya looks at Riley, guilty/remorseful/concerned: : Riley looks back at Maya, audience unable to decipher her stare: : Pan out, somber music:

SCENE 2:  : Porch scene, fade in, Farkle on outside swing bench stage right: : Farkle swinging back and forth on bench looking down: : Enter Riley from stage right, hot tea in hand: : Farkle looks up, half smile, gazes back at the ground: : Riley half smile back:

Farkle: I couldn’t find her anywhere. Riley: Here, it’s freezing outside, I figured you could use this.

: Riley hands Farkle tea:

Farkle: Thanks. Riley: This seat taken? Farkle: All yours.

: Riley sits on bench next to Farkle: : The two swing back and forth for a moment in silence:

Farkle (looking at Riley, breaking silence): You know for my entire life, I have believed that science could justify everything. That no matter what the situation, there is always a rational, systematic explanation. But now, we’re growing up and it’s like I can’t keep up with all these changes. There are all these feelings I can’t seem to reason with. No matter how hard I try to solve the equation, I can’t come up with a logical explanation for all of it. It’s like everything I thought I knew, no longer exists. Riley (understandingly): I know what you mean. These changes are tough, Farkle. I mean I always thought that life was about becoming a Princess, (getting more excited) and unicorns and sunshine and rainbows and- Farkle: You still think that. Riley (chuckling, punching him softly): Okay, maybe. But I’ve always had this vision of how things were meant to be. I was supposed to find my prince, my knight in shining armor to ride in on his white horse and come swoop me away. :Pause: It was my own little fairytale. (Matter of factly) It was supposed to be perfect.

Farkle: Nothing is perfect. Riley (sighing): I know. Farkle (shoulder nudging her): …You did get to ride away on a white horse though. Literally.  Riley (smiling/laughing): Yes I did! But that’s kind of my point. Farkle (perplexed); What do you mean? Riley: I’ve always had the same idea of what a perfect relationship was supposed to be, ever since I was little. That’s what having Corey and Topanga as your parent’s will to do you, I guess. And now I'm growing up and all those fantasies I used to have are actually happening for me and I know I’m supposed to feel happy about it. Like it’s supposed to be simple and easy and I’m supposed to think it’s great. But it’s not that simple at all, Farkle. (Exasperated) It’s actually really, really complicated. It still just feels like…like… Farkle: Like something’s missing? Riley (Ponders on this for a minute, somberly replies): Yes. Like something’s missing. Like there should be more to the “equation”, as you would say :chuckles: Farkle (Nodding): . I think about Isadora and how wonderful, beautiful and brilliant she is. On paper she is my perfect counterpart, she should be everything I need in order to feel fulfilled with someone. Riley: But you don’t? Farkle: It’s like you said. All calculations point to her being my perfect match. But there is a mystery variable I can’t seem to account for with all of this. And it’s throwing everything off. : long pause: Riley(softly): Love. Farkle: Huh? Riley: The variable. The thing you can’t account for, Farkle. It’s love. It can’t be defined by science. I think it just happens. We can’t pick and choose who we fall in love with, no matter what they look like on paper. Farkle: Or how many white horses they ride in on? Riley: Yeah…Or that. : Long pause: : Riley places her head on Farkles shoulder, they both stare off: Farkle: Riley? Riley: Farkle? Farkle: I don’t have an answer for any of this. Riley: I never thought I would hear you say that. Farkle(chuckles): Me neither. : Another pause: Riley: Farkle? Farkle: Riley? Riley: I’m not sure I wanna be a Princess anymore. : Farkle glances down at Riley on his shoulder, slightly surprised by her words: : Another pause: Farkle: Still Pluto, though? : Farkle holds out pinky finger: Riley: Still Pluto.

: Riley grabs his pinky with hers, signifying a pinky promise: : Pan back on porch, instrumental somber music cues, fade out to next scene: SCENE 3: : Pan in, Maya on couch center stage, alone in the common room. She is crying lightly to herself after the game of “Truth or Dare”. Enter Josh from stage right with door, gets thrown in from snow/wind, stumbling : Josh: : Gains control of himself after being thrown through the door from the snow, then pauses: So…it’s definitely snowing outside.

: Maya slightly glances over at Josh, goes back to crying:

Josh (noticing Maya): Oh, hey…Maya…

: Slowly leans up against door and drops bags to physically brace himself:

Maya: : Does not even look at Josh, keeps looking down at hands: Hi. Josh: :Looks around, confused: Uh…Hi? Just hi? :Takes off his hat: Maya it’s me, Josh? Josh Matthews? Riley’s Uncle? Maya: What? : Briefly looking up at him, then back down at hands: Yeah Josh, I know who you are. Josh: Okay… it’s just this is just not really how our greetings usually go.               :No response from Maya at all: You know, compared to the usual of you running at me? Jumping on my back? Calling me Uncle Boing? Is any of this ringing a bell for you? Maya: :Completely unenthusiastically, stoically, looks and points at him: Boing.…. Better? Josh: Not really. : Takes a few steps closer : Wait, Maya are you crying? What’s going on? : Sits down on couch : Maya: Right. Cause you really care what happens to me. We don’t even know each other, remember? Josh: That’s not fair Maya. Despite what you may believe, I’m not perfect, I say stupid things. I do care, I have always cared about you. : Slightly playful : Come on, talk to me, Hart. Maya(Shaking head, talking to herself): Riley left. Cause of me, I think. I mean I think I messed up. I’ve been messing up. Ruining things. I went too far. Again. I promised myself I would stop that. I mean how could I have missed it? She’s my best friend- Josh: Whoa, whoa whoa, slow down. Back up. :A little worried: What do you mean she left? We’re in the middle of nowhere during a snow storm! There are bears and wolves everywhere around here…it’s not safe, Maya, Where did Riley go??? Maya: No…she’s right outside, she’s safe. Josh: Oh. Okay good. : Sits back down : Maya: She’s with Farkle. Josh: Okay so definitely not safe. :About to get back up and get Riley: Maya(Ignoring him): I think I might have hurt her. I never want to hurt her. Josh: : Sits back down: This is about a boy. Maya: Kind of. Josh(arrogantly): Teenage over dramatics. Maya: You’re eighteen. Josh: Yes. But I’m a college man now, Maya. Sophisticated, refined, mature- Maya: Riley told me she walked in on you playing Power Rangers. Josh: I was with Auggie- Maya: You were in full blown costume. Josh: It was for Halloween! Maya(exasperated): It was last week! Josh: You have NO proof of that. Maya: Well if you’re “so mature” that you can’t be bothered with my problems- Josh(Interrupting her): Maya. Talk.   Maya: I was always this girl who knew who she was. I bent the rules, I did what I wanted. And I was okay with it. I just considered myself…broken. But being friends with Riley, seeing everything she had, seeing how much hope and light she had for the world, the way she cares about the people she loves, how great her family is …. : Pauses to glance at Josh:. I guess I just started to want what she had. I wanted to become a new version of myself, someone who did things that made people proud. I wanted to be the kind of person who believed in something. But somewhere along the way  I lost the part of me that made me, me. And Riley- she saw that, she saw that before anyone else did, even me. And she just dropped everything to help me find my way again. She reminded me of who I was and where I came from and why that’s so important. : Slight pause, getting increasingly choked up: She did all of that for me. She saved me, like she always promised she would. And then here I am, trying to figure out how to be the best, improved version of Maya, and I can’t even do the same for her. I’m so selfishly wrapped up in my problems that I can’t even be the best friend that she deserves, I can’t even tell when she’s going through something and she needs me. When I was screaming…she heard me. And now I have to do the same for her. I have to hear her. I have to fix it. I have to fix everything for her. Because I can not stand to be in a world where that little weird ball of pure sunshine saves me and I can’t even save her back. I won’t let that- : Maya realizes Josh is sitting still, staring at her, smiling: Maya(defensively): Why are you smiling like that? Josh: I don’t know. Just listen to you, listen to how much you love Riley, look at how concerned you are for her. You think you’re a bad friend? I don’t think my niece could ask for a better one. And I’m pretty sure, she would agree. : Places his hand on Maya’s knee : You’re growing up Maya. And it’s…well, it’s impressive. Maya: : Looks down at his hand, then up at Josh: …Thanks. Josh: No problem. : Long pause, don’t break each other’s gaze: Josh: : Rushed, breaking gaze abruptly : Well! I better get going. Maya: What? You’re just gonna let me sit here spilling my guts, totally embarrassing myself in front of you and then  just split? Josh: Uh, yeah. Yeah I am. Maya(Irritated): : Grabs Josh by shirt: Why Josh? Why would you do that? Josh: : Pauses to ponder this, smirks/chuckles: Because Maya Penelope Hart, if I sit here too much longer, I’m going to forget you’re still in high school. :Maya, slowly lets him go from her grasp, they are inches apart: Maya(softly): Would that really be so bad? Josh: Yes. : Maya looks away, disappointed:: Josh: : Gently lifts her head: …For now. :Maya looks up taken aback: : Riley enters through door on stage right, getting hurled into room from storm: Riley: SO IT’S DEFINITELY SNOWING OUTSIDE. : Notices Josh and Maya on couch: : Cocks head to the side, confused: Uncle Josh! You’re here… Josh: Heyyy, Riley! : Awkwardly Rambling, fidgeting profusely: I just got here, actually. Crazy storm out there huh? Like the North Pole or something, ha ha- better watch out for Santa! Probably Rudolf out there too… : Riley and Maya staring at him completely amused at his awkwardness:

Yea so anyway I was just going to sleep.

: Josh points at Riley:

Riles, skiing tomorrow? Riley (extremely loud and excited): ONLY IF WE CAN GO ON THE BUNNY SLOPES. BECAUSE I WANT TO SKI WITH THE BUNNIES. Josh: Riley there aren’t actually any bun- Riley(looking up into nowhere): CAN’T YOU JUST SEE THEM, HOPPING AROUND THEIR LITTLE BUNNY MOUNTAIN, IN THEIR LITTLE ADORABLE BUNNY SNOW SHOES… Maya(to Josh): Just tell her “whatever you want” Josh(smiles big, arms outstretched): Whatever you want! Riley: : Smiling huge: YAY. : Josh gets up from couch, begins to exit, Riley takes his place on the couch: Josh: Goodnight ladies. Maya: …Night…. Riley: Goodnight! : Josh slowly walks away, stops, pauses and turns around: Josh: Oh and Maya? Maya: Yeah? Josh: Old version, new version, improved version…whatever this version...it’s beautiful. : Smirks and exits: Riley(questioningly): What was that? Maya(staring straight ahead, smirking to herself): I think that…was the long game.

SCENE 4:

*Set in upstairs bedroom for the boys, Zay and Lucas are already there, with Zay in a corner chair and Lucas pacing around, confused about what just transpired during the Truth or Dare game, Farkle enters in a rush, anxious to explain*

Farkle:Hey, Lucas, I can expla-

Zay: :Stands up in front of Farkle:

 don’t think that’s a good idea right now.

Farkle:I just want to talk to him Zay. He’s my best friend. He's not going to hurt me.

;Talking over Zay’s shoulder to Lucas;

I just want to explain myself and tell him it was-

Zay:Nothing, yea, you said that. A LOT.

And he’s my best friend.

Farkle:No. he’s my best friend!

Zay:Well I’ve known him longer!

Farkle: Yea and got him kicked out of school! People change people, remember? What us does for them?!

;Points at himself grandiosely;

That’s me? I’m ‘People’! I’M AN US!”

Zay:Well you kissed his girlfriend! I moved all the way from Texas to go to school with him! I’m obviously the better friend!

Farkle: Your dad transferred! And I told you it was NOTH-

Lucas:GUYS! Really? 

Farkle and Zay: ;Looking ashamed, both sit down, Zay in chair, Farkle on bed;

Sorry.

Lucas: :Sitting on opposite bed, pauses:

Farkle...I gotta ask. What WAS that down there?

Farkle:NOTH--

Lucas: :Puts hands out to stop/calm him, slightly chuckling:

Other than “Nothing”.

Farkle: :Looks down, long silence, shaking leg nervously:

I don’t want it to be something.

Lucas:Is it?

Farkle: I don’t know. I don’t understand feelings. I want too! But I don’t.

Zay:I thought you understood everything.

:Farkle Stares daggers at Zay:

Zay:Sorry, I just never thought I would hear you say that…

Farkle: :Exasperated after hearing Riley say the same thing moments before , throws hands up in defeat:

Yeah, I know, I’m supposed to explain EVERYTHING TO YOU PEOPLE.

Lucas:But feelings can’t always be explained…

:Pauses as the connection clicks for him:

:Points shaking finger at Farkle, almost excited he figured it out himself:

Kind of like how faith can’t be explained either. And that’s the problem- you don’t understand feelings, so you don’t want to admit you have them. That’s it, isn’t it!

Farkle: :Grabbing Lucas’ finger to stop it:

No. All I know is that I have loved Riley and Maya equally since the first grade and I promised them that would never change. I don’t want it to change.

:Looks around at both other boys:

I don’t want any of us to change.

Zay:Haven’t we already though? Changed? Don’t we kind of have too?

Farkle:I hate that you’re smarter than me at this.

Zay: :Snarky like, smiling big to himself and kicking up his legs:

They call me Zay Babineaux, Love Doctor.

Lucas:Literally NO ONE calls you that.

:Turns back to Farkle

So...you like Riley now?

Farkle: :Shrugging:

I have always loved Riley. I have always wanted to protect her and I know I have always wanted to see her happy. But I want that for Maya, too.

Zay: Plus there’s Smackle…

:Farkle stares more daggers at Zay:

Zay:Just stating facts, here.

Farkle:Isadora Smackle is one of the most beautiful and brilliant people to ever walk this earth and I am lucky to know her. I would never want to hurt her.

:Looks slightly guilty:

I don’t want to hurt any of us.

:Lucas nods, long silence:

Zay:So…is this like,

:Starts counting in his head/on his fingers:

...a pentagon, instead of a triangle now? Because I was just starting to understand this whole triangle thing…

:Lucas and Farkle are staying at Zay, incredulously:

Zay:Hey, don’t look at me like that you know I’m just here for the humorous commentary.

Farkle: :Slapping his legs definitively:

Well no! It’s not "a pentagon". Lucas has to figure out his feelings, and I have Isadora to think about. No new geometrical shapes to consider.

Zay:But Lucas decided already.

Farkle: :Staring at Lucas with a questionable yet knowing look on his face:

Did he? Huh.

:Lucas silent, shifty eyes:

Zay: Oh, see? He’s all confused again and not saying anything cause he picked Riley and now he thinks you’re going to be mad.

Farkle: :Staring straight at Lucas, doesn’t break gaze:

Actually I don’t think he’s confused. I think he knows exactly what he wants.

:Lucas still silent, looking pained. Zay looking around confused:

Zay: ...Okay see I usually know where things are going but. What's going on here?

Farkle: :Still not breaking gaze of Lucas:

He wants Maya. His choice is Maya.

Zay:What! No, no, no, he was a gonna pick RILEY! It’s always been R I L E Y 

:Stops, cocks head to the side and thinks it over, meant to be humorous:

...Or not?

Lucas: :Standing up quickly:

It has! I mean, I did! I do? I mean...I don’t know. I think I’m scared to move. And it’s not because of Farkle.

Zay: Yeah we know, you don’t want this to be “the end of us”.

Farkle:No, that’s not it. That’s not why he’s scared.

Zay: :Looks over at Lucas:

Then…why?

Lucas: Don’t ask me! Ask the genius!

Farkle: Lucas, all you’ve been able to talk about this last week is Maya. How worried you are about her, how important her happiness is to you. You dragged me all around the Village looking for her the night she painted the park.

Zay:Yea, and you did call her “beautiful flowers that grow from volcanic ash".

Farkle: Yeah. Yeah that was deep.

Zay: :Nodding and agreeing with Farkle:

So. Deep.

:To himself, frustrated:

How did I not see this coming?! Maybe I’m not his best friend. 

Lucas: :Staring at both of them considering it, then quickly shaking his head and standing to pace again:

No none of that matters! What matters is the universe. The universe and nature and fate. And they told me to pick Riley. They told me that when she fell in to my lap-

Zay: -You mean when she was pushed by Maya –

Lucas: Okay…Fine. They told me when she was PUSHED by Maya into my lap on the subway, that it was meant to be. So how could I not pick her? That's how it's supposed to be-

Farkle: :Has an aggressive outburst:

Okay stop! Even a genius can’t handle hearing you talk about the universe for even one more second!

Pulls himself together a little:

I love Riley. I want to see her happy more than anything else in the world. I want what is best for both of you. But I don’t think she would be happy with just “supposed to". Actually....I know she wouldn’t. 

Lucas:Yeah but-

Farkle: :Bursting out again:

I’m not finished!

Lucas: :Lucas holds hands up defenseless)

Sorry!

Farkle: Because you know what else I know? I know that one of my other best friends is downstairs and she feels broken and alone. She’s lost, Lucas. And she needs to be reminded of how beautiful she is. And I think you are the person that should tell her that. I think you are the person she wants to hear it from.

:Lucas pauses, looks at Zay slightly desperately:

Zay: You do get really passionate when you talk about Maya.

Farkle: It’s your decision Lucas. Just make sure you do what you want to do, not just what you think you are supposed to do. The universe doesn’t get a say here. You do.

:Lucas completely freezes, staring at the ground, everyone anxiously paused:

:Long Pause:

Lucas: I’m going to get Maya.

:Farkle and Zay smile/look shocked, crowd cheers as Lucas runs towards the door, out to the open stairwell, where there is view of bottom floor:

:Lucas pauses at top of staircase, looks around and looks towards couch. There, Maya is sitting with Josh. Their conversation cant be heard, but he has her face in his hand:

:Lucas is completely frozen in place:

:Zay comes up from behind, puts hand on Lucas' shoulder:

Zay: Whoa. Dude. I’m sorry…

:Farkle comes up on other side, sees the couch:

Farkle: Uncle Boing.

:Zay shoves him lightly, Farkle stumbles:

Farkle: I mean Josh. Uncle Josh. Oh man. 

Lucas:I guess I’m not the one she wanted to hear it from, after all.

:Gestures to couch:

He’s already got it covered.

:Lucas drops arm and walks back into room, defeated.:

::Zay and Farkle look at each other, concerned, pan out from scene:

SCENE 5:

: Bus ride home, most kids on the bus already. Josh and Topanga at the front in their seats. Camera angle from back of bus, watching kids get on :

: Smackle gets on first quickly, goes to a seat in the back, crosses arms look’s out window:

: Maya next, passes by Josh in the first seat, they lightly smirk at one another, Josh breaks gaze by looking down, Maya keeps walking, pleased with herself, sits middle of bus by window:

: Lucas next, steamrolls right past Maya:

Maya: Oh hey Huckleberry, where ya be- : Lucas keeps going and sits down, leaving Maya looking confused: Riley next on bus, stops, looks at Lucas then looks at Maya, then Lucas, than Maya, Lucas than Maya: Maya: :raises eyebrows and mouths: Come sit down now??? : Riley gives one last glance at Lucas and then sits with Maya, looking somber, Maya looking at her slightly concerned: : Farkle comes on, Riley watches him walk by as he goes down and sits with Smackle in the back, not even glancing her way: : Riley sinks her head down, disappointed: : Maya Still looking concerned: : Zay and Cory on the bus last, stop and look at everyone who is totally silent, no one looking at each other:

Cory: Uhm, Mr Babineaux? Zay: Yes, Mr. Matthews? Cory: : Pointing to all the kids: What’s going on here, what is this? Zay: Don’t know that yet, sir. Cory: Ya gonna find out? Zay: Plan on it, sir. Cory: It gonna be a huge disaster? Zay: Looks like it, sir. Cory: : Looking disgusted: Nature. : Zay sits down next to Lucas: Cory: : Peppy: Okay well how about a little bus ride entertainment everyone, eh? A little sing along maybe? 99 bottles of cola anyone? Josh: 99 bottles of...cola? Cory: We’re only approved for general audiences : Shrugs: Josh: Ah, okay Cory: So, 99 bottles? She’ll be Comin Round the Mountain? : No one even looks at him: Josh? Ya wanna help me out a little here? Josh: Sorry my brother, you’re on your own with this one. : Puts on headphones: Come on everybody! What’s a road trip without some singin! : Silence, no one looking: How about a little eye spy? License plate game? Truth or dare? Everyone: NO!!!!! : Cory taken aback, looking hurt by everyone yelling at him: Topanga: Okay, Captain Cory, why don’t you just sit down and take a nap. : Cory doesn’t move: Topanga: That’ssss it, alright, come on and just sit down with me. : Cory sits with her, sinking down slowly: Topanga: : Whispers: Let the kids live, remember? Cory: : Humorously frustrated: A bunch of maroons, all of ‘em! Topanga: : Patting Cory on the shoulder: I know, life’s tough. I know. Maybe you should think about getting a helmet. : Cory gives her a dirty look than lays his head on shoulder of Topanga, falls asleep almost instantly and snores his girly snore: : Topanga chuckles to herself: : Flash over to Maya/Riley: Maya: You alright, Honey? Riley: : Fake Riley smile, almost tears in her eyes: Yeah Maya, I’m fine. Maya: : Steadfast in Riley’s eyes: It’s going to be okay. I am here for you. I am ALWAYS here for you. Whenever you're ready to talk about it. Riley: : More tears in her eyes, sits facing forward, matter of factly: Except there’s nothing to talk about. Maya: Like I said, whenever you're ready. : Looks out window: : Pan to Zay/Lucas: Zay: You alright man? Lucas: : Extremely sarcastic/rude: Oh me? Me, am I alright? Yeah, Zay, I’m great. I’m totally fine. I’ve literally never been better. Zay: Dude that couldn’t have been easy to see Ma- Lucas: Not now Zay, OK? Just…Not. Now. : Zay nods, glances over at Maya, then back at Lucas shaking his head slightly, Lucas just looking out the window, angrily: : Pan back to Farkle and Smackle : Farkle: : Jiggles leg nervously, looks over at Smackle, who glances back, both nervously awkwardly smirk at each other and look back down, riding in silence : : Long pause: : Farkle breaks silence: Smackle…Can I ask you something? Smackle: Alright. Farkle: …Why do you flirt with Lucas so much? Smackle: : Glances over hastily: What? Are you trying to accuse me of something? Because after last night- Farkle: No, no of course not, I’m not accusing you of anything. And I’m so sorry if last night made you uncomfortable, but there was no reason to be. I just really want to know...Why do you flirt with Lucas? Smackle: I ….I guess I’m not totally sure I know that answer. Farkle: : Pauses briefly : Well. I think I do. Smackle: You think I like Lucas? Farkle: No, I don’t think you like Lucas. Smackle: Then what? What is it that you think? Farkle: : Takes a deep breath, then looks at her and begins: I think you are Isadora Smackle. One of the most beautiful, intelligent, wonderful people in the world. And I think that you never used to know that…how beautiful you are. But I also think that has changed. I think you are starting to understand it, and I think you are learning how to be confident. Not just with me, but with everyone around you. And so you flirt with people like Lucas and Zay because you’ve never been brave enough to do it before. Smackle: I never mean to upset you, Farkle- Farkle: : Very matter of fact, looking at the ground: I know that. But Smackle that’s the thing. I’m not upset that you flirt with them, or anyone. Maybe I should be, but I’m not. I’m actually glad. : Smackle looks taken aback/confused: : Farkle looks straight into her eyes: I care so much about you that there is literally nothing i want more than to see you happy. That’s all that matters to me...Do you understand? Smackle: I think so. Farkle: I like you. Sometimes I think one day I could more than like you. You are the first girl I have ever felt that way about. But you’re changing. We all are. And I don't know exactly how to handle that, but sometimes I think that maybe you and I are better as teammates, then we are at being boyfriend and girlfriend. I just know that I always want to cheer you on, Smackle. I never want to be what holds you back. Smackle: But you aren’t holding me back. You make me want to be better. Farkle: Yea! Yea in math and science and school! You do that for me too. But do you ever think you would be happier having the freedom for new social experiments, without worrying about what I think? Because I think you deserve that, Isadora. I think deep down you want that. And I know you don’t want to hurt me, but you won’t, OK? You can tell me anything and I promise you won't hurt me. Smackle: : Ponders, pauses: Maybe a part of me wants that. Yes. But I care about you, too. And you are right, I do not want to hurt you. : Grabs his hand: You have helped me feel, Farkle Minkus. Farkle: And you have helped me understand love, Isadora Smackle. : Smiling at each other: Farkle: And I’m really sorry about last night. I don’t want to hurt you either. Even though I’m still not quite sure why you were. Smackle: I don’t think I was hurt. I think I was confused. Perhaps in denial. But I’m not anymore. Farkle: : Perplexed: Denial? About you and me? Smackle: No, not you and…me. Farkle: Then what? Smackle: You’ll see. Farkle: : Still perplexed, then looks down, silence: Smackle: So… Farkle: So… Smackle: Did we just… : Using air quotes: Have a “break up”? Farkle: Yes, I think maybe we did. Smackle: Hmm. I have never experienced the end of a romantic relationship before. Do I cry now? Farkle: : Chuckles: I haven’t either. But no Smackle, not if you don’t feel sad. Smackle: Should I feel sad? Farkle: It’s okay if you don’t. Smackle: Maybe a little sad. But mostly I feel…content. Is that an acceptable way to feel? Farkle: : Smiles to himself: Yea, that’s totally acceptable. I think I feel that way as well. : Flash forward to everyone exiting bus, Topanga Cory and Josh standing out on the curb as everyone gets off: : Riley comes out first: Riley: Thanks for taking us skiing, you guys. : Maya comes up behind her Riley: Maya: First of all Riley, you didn't even ski. You realized there were no bunnies on the bunny slope and stayed inside drinking cocoa all day. Riley: They had the mini marshmellows! Maya: I know honey. But yeah, thanks Matthews. It was…interesting. : Josh and Maya smiling coyly at each other: Cory: : Looking back and forth at the two of them, growing concerned: ...What was that? That look you just gave each other...What happened this weekend?!

Josh: : Quickly: Nothin! Maya: Nothing! : Maya slowly, slyly smiles at Josh again: …yet. : Winks at Josh, Josh smiles back, sees Cory staring at him angrily, quickly puts on a straight face, Cory looking like he is going to explode: Maya: OK Riles time to go! : Maya quickly pulls Riley by the hand and runs away, Riley stumbling being dragged by her: Cory: : Chasing after them: Maya...Maya! Shawny is NOT GOING TO LIKE THIS! : Zay next to exit, Lucas after: Josh: : Reaches for a pound: See ya later guys, hope you had a fun- Lucas: : Pauses to look at Josh annoyed: :Stalks off quickly mumbling: ....creepy creep creep... Josh: : Looks perplexed at Zay: What’s up with that guy? Zay: He uh, he gets that motion sickness thing, ya know. Makes him crabby… : Salutes Josh: See ya! : Runs off after Lucas: : Farkle and Smackle exit last, wave goodbye to Topanga and Josh, start walking, together: Farkle: : Stops: So… : Reaches hand out to for Smackle to shake: Teammates, then? Smackle: : Looks at hand, then Farkle, grabs him into a hug: Yes. Teammates. And friends. : Pull away from hug: Smackle: : Points finger in Farkle’s face: But just because I have just shattered your Farkle heart to pieces, I mean look at you, you’re a mess- : Gestures up and down at Farkle: : Farkle, surprised looks down at himself, wondering how he is acting/looking like a mess: If you think I am going to go easy on you in debate team, calculus club, or any other activity we may have to compete in- you’ve got another thing coming, buster. You’re just going to have to toughen up. Farkle: Oh, I’ll mend this broken heart, Isadora. And then? I’m gonna bring it. : Silly joking sneer at her: Game on, Nemesis. Smackle: : Sneering back: Game on. : Two start walking away from each other, Smackle turns back around: Smackle: Oh. And Farkle? Farkle: Yea? Smackle: I wasn’t the first girl. Farkle: ???? Smackle: The first girl you liked. I was not the first. Farkle: : Getting upset/defensive, starts to walk back towards her:  Yes you we- Smackle: : Puts her hand up to stop him: I told you I was no longer confused after last night. And I am not. I now understand everything. Soon, you will understand also. You are almost as smart as me, after all. : Pats him on the cheek: Farkle: Smackle, what!? Smackle: Like I said…You’ll see. : Smackle walks away, Farkle left standing there, confused hurries off after her:

SCENE 6:

BAY WINDOW SCENE

RILEY(in shock): Wow. What a weekend.

MAYA(also in shock): You’re telling me. RILEY: You and Josh! MAYA: Me and Josh...someday. Maybe. : QUIET PAUSE : MAYA(CONT'D): You and-- RILEY: --I don’t know. MAYA: Lucas? You and Lucas? It's still you and Lucas, right? RILEY: I thought so. But I don't know if I'm sure about that anymore. : LONG PAUSE, MAYA SLOWLY SLYLY SMILING: MAYA: And that's cause of you and F-- : RILEY COVERS MAYAS MOUTH : RILEY: Don’t. Cause I know what you’re going to say and no. Absolutely not. I could never. MAYA: Okay. RILEY: I mean its Farkle-- MAYA: --I know. RILEY: He thinks he's an evil genius for goodness sake! MAYA: --I know. RILEY: He tried trading me for a goat!-- MAYA: --I KNOW! : LONG PAUSE, RILEY PENSIVE: RileY: Maya… MAYA: Yes? RILEY: Could I like Farkle? MAYA: Oh honey I don’t know, even I can’t keep up with you anymore. RILEY(defeated): I’m a lotta work. MAYA: Yes, yes you are. But I love you anyway. RILEY: And I love you. You know, we’re gonna meet a lot of boys in our life, Maya. Who knows whats going to happen? It seems like everyday we learn something new about ourselves. And that changes how we see things, which changes how we see the world. I know my parents fell in love young and lived happily ever after, and that they have this extraordinary relationship...but maybe thats THEIR story, not ours. Maybe were supposed to all have our own stories. MAYA: I like the way you think darling. RILEY: Something tells me it’s going to be one heck of life trying to figure it all out. MAYA: Yeah me too. But you got me. We'll figure it out together. RILEY(smiling): Yea, we will... You know what else I think? MAYA: What's that? RILEY: That YOU, Maya Hart...are MY extraordinary relationship. And that will never change. MAYA: Thunder? RILEY: Lightening. RILEY AND MAYA(laughing): Forever!

: END OF EPISODE :