Whenever I have a bad day, like today (thanks PMS, excessive heat, really painful blisters and work stress), I try to focus on things that make me happy. So I decided this would be the perfect time to share my list of favourite kisses on television!

My Ten Favourite Kisses on Television

Note/Disclaimer: I limited myself to one kiss per pairing. And the list isn't really a ranking or order per se, and I'm probably forgetting kisses that I really love.

1. Veronica and Logan in "Weapons of Class Destruction" (VM): There's lots of really hot, sexy and fun kissing between Veronica and Logan (see icon), but that first kiss?!! I think the first time I saw it my face was an echo of Logan's: shock and dawning realization of just how awesome them together could be. I love how Veronica's vaguely perplexed that she's kissed Logan and then he grabs her and pulls her in for a real kiss ... GAH!!

2. Spike and Buffy in "Once More With Feeling" (BtVS): This is another pairing that has many very hot kissing, but again I'm inclined to pick the first real, non-dream, non magically-induced because the-spell-is-totally-over-by-then kiss. I admit to being a sucker for the over-the-top, old-school musical dramatic nature of the kiss.

3. Joey and Pacey in "Stolen Kisses" (Dawson's Creek): I didn't start liking the show until there were hints of Joey/Pacey and then I was all about it because IMO the characters (and actors) have amazing chemistry. I'm really fond of their first kiss because of Joey shoving Pacey afterwards and yelling at him (very funny), but nothing tops Pacey counting till 10 before kissing Joey. And there's the bonus of the awesome kiss at the end of the episode which Joey initiates. I was reminded of my Joey/Pacey love when listening to my newly-acquired Sarah Slean's "My Invitation" because that song plays during their poignant and beautiful dance in "Anti-Prom." It inspired me to have a "Joey/Pacey Retrospective" on Friday (yes, this is an example of why I'm behind on fic reading and watching various tv finales).

4. Xander and Cordelia in "What's My Line Part 2" (BtVS): Should it not be evident from the first three selections so far, I love the couples who argue and have lots of tension and seem to hate each other. Their kiss is the perfect example of that (from the transcript):

Cordelia: I *hate* you!
Xander: I HATE YOU!

They look at each other for another second before grabbing each other
and engaging in a mad, passionate kiss. It goes on for several seconds
before they suddenly release each other and look at each other in
surprise.

Xander: We *so* need to get outta here.
Cordelia: (nods) Mm-hm!

Also, I think that Xander/Cordy is my favourite old-school BtVS pairing. Don't get me wrong I really love the Buffy/Angel stuff (so much very good pain and angst), and the cuteness of Willow/Oz is wonderful but the snarking and dramatic music with impassioned kissing totally wins me over to loving Xander/Cordy. Of course, it could also just be my big love for Xander that causes me to have this declaration!

5. Willow and Tara in "Entropy" (BtVS): Finally! A couple who breaks the trend I've had going. There was always such a sweetness to Willow and Tara's relationship which was enjoyable to watch but it meant there weren't lots of hot kissing (also thanks to network unease about girl-on-girl action in the context of a healthy long-term relationship). But in season 6 as things get more intense Tara becomes much more sassy, strong and assertive which is why I love the kiss in "Entropy". I adore that Tara's the one who initiates it and that the kiss itself is so passionate.

6. Angel and Cordy in "Birthday" (AtS): This is kind of a weird inclusion and I'm sure it inspired a few WTF reactions. See, I never really bought into Angel/Cordy but when Cordelia kisses the insane Angel and gets the visions back, they briefly sold me on the pairing (something that never really worked for me again, except oddly in "You're Welcome"). And despite briefly thinking "hey Angel/Cordy might be okay", I actually adore this kiss because it's more about friendship; it doesn't seem romantic, it seems loving. It demonstrates the depth of Cordelia's love for Angel, which to me is more based in a deep platonic love (which I think is a good thing - friendship love is just as significant as romantic love *ponders doing a friendship moments list next*). This kiss/moment always makes me cry, I think it's just beautiful.

7. Hannah and Bright in "Where the Heart Is" (Everwood): This kiss is particularly awesome because of how their relationship developed organically throughout the season. It’s also damn cute. I adore Hannah/Bright so very much!!

8. Angela and Jordan in "Self-Esteem" (My So-Called Life): In between all the angst and endless self-reflection (fyi: I love MSCL), they found time for some really hot making out in the boiler room. There's all these awesome moments when they stop kissing and comment on cuticles or something. I totally 'shipped Angela/Joran when I was in high school.

9. Luke and Lorelei in "Raincoats and Recipes" (Gilmore Girls): Considering how things were left at the end of this season, it's nice to remember their first kiss at the end of season four. After four years of rooting for Luke/Lorelei, not only was it wonderful to see that relationship become a reality, the kiss is totally hot!!!

10. Kara and Lee in "Scar" (Battlestar Galactica): First of all, it's hot. Second of all, there's lots of angst which is perfect for Kara and Lee, and why I like the idea of them as a pairing. I'm not as interested in them together as I am in them not being together, which this kiss etc accomplishes very well.

ETA Because, of course, I forgot one!
11. Grace and Luke in "Silence" (Joan of Arcadia): I adore the combination of Grace's punk rebel thing with Luke's brainy geekiness. And I love him telling her that the gift of the geode is a gesture of courtship and she's all "Courtship? That went out with the corset or the walkman or something". Then Grace tries to tell him that she doesn't like him and Luke rambles about love being irrational, and they kiss and it's awesome!


The interesting thing about making this list is that it pointed out to me that I do have pairings that I prefer (except for the Angel/Cordy one which is more about friendship). I forget that because I really love and appreciate all pairings on shows and in fanfic (although Spike/Xander is my fanfic OTP!!). For example, in the Buffyverse I could list at least one moment that I love about each pairing, even ones I have trouble liking (ie. Willow/Kennedy). It intrigues me that I don't have a Buffy/Angel kiss on here even though they have plenty of steamy kisses. It's just that when I think of kisses that I love on tv my mind goes to other pairings. Which I think says more about who I prefer than something ridiculous like "Buffy/Spike is hotter than Buffy/Angel", because clearly it's a matter of taste. No 'ship bashing here!! I also suspect this is a lengthy way of me explaining why certain pairings are on the list and others aren't. Because I'm not all impartial. I am me. :D