OTP FAVORITE: THE UNEXPECTED ROMANCE OF HARDISON AND PARKER

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As a rule, re-watching shows isn’t something I engage in much. But in the past year, I have re-watched one and that is TNT’s Leverage. This is partially because I was caught up on the new shows I watched, but also because Amazon did re-boot the show with its main cast (mostly) intact. The real surprise however is rediscovering the Leverage OTP favorite Hardison and Parker.

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The show in a nutshell follows five people, all with a specialty in certain areas, who unexpectedly come together to form Leverage, a team that takes back what the rich has taken from their middle-class clients. The concept is really quite fun, and for the most part, the show never gets “too dark.” Perhaps more unexpected is the blossoming romance between computer genius Alec Hardison and Parker, a thief with an orphan background.

As this isn’t a romance heavy show, the scenes between them aren’t frequent, but there is enough there to make the viewer smile, and on occasion, to make us bite our nails in nervousness! Here are five (because there’s just not a lot of romance) of their most touching OTP moments.

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LEVERAGE OTP FAVORITE HARDISON AND PARKER

Spoilers to follow

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THE KISS

When: Episode 12, Season One

Although this kiss doesn’t mean anything in terms of leading to something immediately, it IS cute and I like that, though she uses it as a distraction method, Parker bluntly tells him “we should pretend to make out,” and then takes the intuitive to plant a kiss on Hardison, and then, that he’s adorably flummoxed.

PRETZELS

When: Episode 5, Season Three

As their friendship grows and evolves over time, Parker begins to realize that maybe she has feelings for Hardison. Like… “weird feelings.” But as Parker is Parker (and never able to easily form attachments), she doesn’t know what to do with them. She’s encouraged to tell Hardison, and so, she begins by saying they need to talk. Of course, the girl wimps out, and seeing a bowl of pretzels close by, in a panic, she admits to having feelings for pretzels!

Hardison, gem of a guy that he is, simply moves the bowl of pretzels closer to her, and says, “Okay. Well, they’re right here… when you want them.” Of course, he understands what Parker really means, but knowing she needs more time to come to terms with what a relationship might mean, by doing this, he’s telling her that he understands in a way she understands.

“I NEED YOU.”

When: Episode 7 ‘The Grave Digger Job,’ Season Four

This is, without question, the most “intense” moment between these two. It’s all set into motion when, after working a con, Hardison is kidnapped and buried alive. During this time, the gang tries to figure out where he’s gone, little imagining his current surroundings. When finally he is able to get through to them via a cell phone his kidnappers leave, as time runs out, and it seems as though they won’t find him in time, it’s Parker who can save Hardison. Not in an action sense, but with her voice, helping him to stay calm and relaxed so he preserves oxygen. She’s the only one who can keep him sane because she’s a thief, and has made it her business to survive in tight spaces. On the phone, Parker urges him to hold on… he’s must “make it through this” she tells him because…

“you’re my friend. Do you hear me Alec, I need you!”

Eventually the team finds Hardison, and after hugs for everyone, across the space of the grave that separates them, the two lock eyes, and again, their bond solidifies.

Later, after the dust settles and Parker calms, Alec finds her and after leaning in, and placing the tenderest kiss on her check, he whispers, “thanks for not hanging up the phone.” This leaves a gentle smile on Parker’s face, and her in a much better head space.

“YOU HAVE ME.”

When: Episode 10 ‘The Queen’s Gambit Job,’ Season Four

“Quick and light, that’s how I survived. You slow me down, you kill me.” – Parker

This is how this moment begins. In frustration. For this job, Parker must weigh herself down with specially equipped boots to facilitate the task of robbing a safe. But, as usual, it’s Hardison who brings her back earthside with his gentle touch. First he tells her that she only had to be “quick because you were alone.” But as she stands today, it’s different…

“If you get caught, that’s it, I get it. But you’re not alone anymore, you have a team. You have me. I gotcha, I gotcha girl.”

Urging her to follow his leads and step on his feet, he pulls her close, and together they slowly move in a practice run of what Parker will need to do to accomplish her task. The sweet and touching moment mimics a dance as he guides her through the motion, pulling her close all the while she noticeably relaxes, knowing she is safe in his hands.

THE CUTE DATE

When: Episode Four, “The Date Night Job,’ Season Two of Leverage: Redemption

In the re-boot show, Leverage: Redemption, we must assume this pair is still together. They’re rarely if ever affectionate, but I think we can chalk this up to this show not being a romance. However, the one real standout romantic moment between these two in this followup show is the date night they share. Both are being coy as they start their night with dinner (and Parker dropping in from above, like she does), only for it to morph into a surprise that they are, unknowingly, both trying to plan a job they can do together on their date night! It’s all kinds of cute.

Plus, the date acts as a kind of emotional breakthrough in their relationship that while bittersweet, is also good for these two.

There’s an end to this OTP favorites installment. Do you watch this show? Do you have a favorite couple or moment between these two? Do you like this Leverage Hardison and Parker pair-up? Comment all of your thoughts below.

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Photos: TNT