The Pitt Fans: Stop Shipping These Characters, It’s Getting Weird!

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Before the first season of “The Pitt” concluded, a certain group of viewers were already rooting for Dr. Frank Langdon and Dr. Mel King to be in a relationship, which seems quite extraordinary. If you happen to be among those who weren’t aware that such a dedicated fanbase for Langdon and Mel exists, let me clarify: it does. Compilations on YouTube, complete with poorly chosen soundtracks, and numerous discussions on Reddit have made this clear. While these supporters may not be numerous, they certainly exist, and their existence leaves me puzzled.

It seems questionable to me why Mel-Langdon shippers perceive any romantic undertones between the characters based on just a few instances of interaction. Instead, their relationship appears more akin to an older brother-younger sister dynamic, where there’s a strong bond of mutual respect and learning. They seem to have developed a rapport that suggests a mentor and eager apprentice who complement each other well, with the potential for both parties to gain valuable insights from their interactions.

There Is Nothing To Indicate That Mel & Langdon Will Get Together In The Pitt

It’s A Mentor-Mentee Relationship & That’s It

Mel’s enthusiasm upon Langdon’s arrival mirrors a child’s unbridled joy for a cherished guardian figure. For her inaugural day at The Pitt, Mel demonstrates an eagerness to be present and a palpable excitement to absorb knowledge. Langdon presents the ideal mentor in this instance: someone capable of nurturing and educating Mel beyond what the overworked and erratic Dr. Robby can manage, given his role as the attending physician. It seems that Mel doesn’t frequently encounter individuals who motivate her. Despite her youth, she is solely responsible for her sister with autism, suggesting that family support may be absent or deceased. Additionally, subtle hints suggest that her peculiar behaviors might influence others’ perceptions of her, but Langdon recognizes the doctor within her.

Regarding Langdon, his profession is deeply interwoven with his life, and it’s evident that he enjoys the role of mentor, similar to how Dr. Robby has guided him. Despite battling a substance abuse issue, Langdon remains an exceptional doctor and a dedicated teacher, showing remarkable patience towards medical students who aren’t overly confident. With Mel as his protege, Langdon becomes more open, not suggesting romantic feelings, but rather expressing his excitement to mold someone into the field.

It’s logical to conclude. Mel appears to be on the autism spectrum, while Langdon has playfully suggested he might have ADHD. Given his adventurous personality, there’s a strong possibility that he does. Their compatibility could stem from being neurodivergent individuals who understand and appreciate each other’s peculiarities.

Mel’s unique approach to medicine piques Langdon’s interest, offering him something fresh; meanwhile, Langdon’s eagerness to teach expresses his support for her talents, a form of encouragement she may not have experienced before. There’s no romantic or physical attraction between them. Instead, their relationship is built on mutual professional admiration and understanding, with no hint of anything more.

It Would Also Be A Terrible Story Choice & Beneath The Characters

They’re Better People & The Pitt A Better Series Than That

In the show, there seems to be no hint of a romantic relationship between the characters, and introducing one would not serve the story well. For instance, Langdon is portrayed as a married man with children, and he frequently mentions his family throughout season 1 of The Pitt. If he were to engage in an affair with a coworker, it would significantly damage his character, making him less sympathetic and more unlikable. This could potentially ruin the redemption arc that might be planned for his character after the revelation of his drug-stealing actions.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my disapproval at the prospect of Mel developing romantic feelings for Langdon. This scenario seems utterly out of character for her. After all, she is well aware that Langdon is married with children, and any thought of intentionally causing harm to those innocent kids would be abhorrent to her. She wouldn’t do something like that.

Moreover, there’s a strong argument to be made that Mel exudes a clearly asexual energy. At the very least, she shows no interest in anything beyond a professional relationship while at work. At most, she seems to be seeking friendships, not romantic entanglements or fleeting flings.

If the writers were to introduce such a plot twist, it would be a questionable decision, tarnishing both characters and their valuable mentor-mentee bond. It’s simply not a storyline that resonates with me as a fan of their dynamic.

Besides damaging the series, such a change could diminish its authenticity. Since the beginning, the cast has emphasized their commitment to making The Pitt as realistic as possible. For those who have been watching closely, this series is recognized as a serious medical drama, not a hospital soap opera. Romantic escapades in broom closets or workplace hookups are inconsistent with the essence of The Pitt. Let’s hope such elements never find their way into the show. Although there are numerous hospital soap operas, The Pitt stands alone as a unique and captivating series due to its lack of focus on romance and melodrama. Introducing these aspects could fatally undermine the show’s appeal.

The Pitt’s Mel-Langdon Shipping Is A Symptom Of A Bigger Problem In Fandom

Let Things Be What They Are Instead Of What You Project Onto Them

One might contend that the unusual pairing of Mel and Langdon in this work hints at a more significant problem within today’s entertainment industry. Instead of appreciating the content for what it truly is, some viewers project their personal desires onto the work, transforming it into something it wasn’t originally intended to be. Even if they adore “The Pitt,” shippers continue to expect it to embody something other than its actual essence. Similarly, fans who love Mel and Langdon persist in wanting them to be characters they aren’t. It’s refreshing that this isn’t a romantic melodrama. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with soap operas, their style is distinct from “The Pitt,” making it a stronger production as a result.

Dear fans of ‘The Pitt’, kindly take a step back, lessen your anticipation towards the series, and instead, savor and admire it for its true essence – an exceptionally written medical drama boasting outstanding acting all around. As you eagerly await season 2 of ‘The Pitt’, consider delving into other shows such as ‘Chicago Med’ or ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. There, you’ll find numerous doctors entangled in romances. You might even revisit ‘ER’. Just remember not to expect ‘The Pitt’ to transform into a genre it wasn’t intended for – much like the relationship between Mel and Langdon.

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2025-05-06 07:08