Romance Stories Throughout Art: A Great Marriage

A great marriage is the Carlsons from WKRP in Cincinnati.

Gordon Jump plays the sweet-tempered, often waffling manager of the radio station (ostensibly--the station's finances are controlled by his mother). He is not quite a canny dope since he knows what is going on almost all the time; he just doesn't want to be involved (most of the time). He has a strong moral sense, however, and will make tie-breaking decisions on occasion.

His wife, Carmen Carlson, played by Allyn Ann McLerie, is sweet, gentle, and practical. She exhibits a thorough understanding of her husband and an utter lack of jealousy regarding receptionist Jennifer (played expertly and smartly by Loni Anderson).

What makes them such a great couple is that they are so totally compatible. Many great television couples get along but have different interests. Vanessa Baxter, for example, loves her outspoken, down-to-earth husband Mike--but still wishes he was more neighbor-friendly.

Not the Carlsons. The episode "A Simple Little Wedding" highlights their compatibility regarding people and interests. Back in the day, they eloped. To make up for that elopement, they've decided to remarry. However, just like the first time, they find themselves contending with people who insist on throwing them bachelor and bachelorette parties plus a controlling mother (mother-in-law) who wants to force them into a huge wedding with thousands of high society guests.

They decide to elope again. Neither of them value high society, forced gaiety, or uninvited attention. They are quiet, unassuming, kindly people who want to live out their quiet, unassuming, kindly lives together.

Great couple!