Shaw fell in love first. Here’s why.
I think Shaw fell in love with Root first.
Root was attracted to Shaw first, absolutely. But attraction is not love, and Root’s behavior in Relevance makes that clear. She leaves Shaw tied to a chair with killers on the way.
Shaw’s feelings develop through behavior.
In Mors Praematura, she believes Root, follows her instructions, protects her, comes back for her, and then sets a firm boundary after Root drugs and kidnaps her. The message is clear: you can be in my life, but you will respect my autonomy.
A few episodes later, Shaw argues that Finch should let Root out of the cage because they need her. Once Root is free, Shaw trusts her in the field, gives her a gun, follows her lead, and openly finds her hot. When Root is captured after saving them, Shaw keeps watching for her and later goes looking for her. Root notices: “Tell Shaw I was touched she came to look for me.”
By Death Benefit, the difference between them is even clearer. Root repairs their relationship after a fight, so Shaw already matters to her. But during their drinks, Shaw is the one asking personal questions about Root’s plans. She is reaching for something beyond the mission. Then the Machine contacts Root, and Root leaves. Shaw is left sitting there, sighing.
In the next episode, Shaw calls the Machine “Root’s better half.”
She knows exactly where she stands.
At that point, Shaw is already oriented toward Root. She wants to know her, wants her around, notices when she leaves, and goes after her when she disappears. Root cares deeply, but the Machine is still the center of her world.
That is why I think Shaw fell first. Root wanted her first. Shaw loved her first.
