The early days of the pandemic hit me hard. I live with OCD and anxiety. Anytime there’s a hint of “doom” in the news, I panic, imagining all the worst potential outcomes and perseverating on them. Everyone told me it would be fine, things would blow over and when it didn’t, it confirmed my fears. I wasn’t overreacting. It sent me into an anxiety spiral, so I went to a comfort show.
I had finished watching Schitt’s Creek (all the seasons that were out at the time). I adore this show. It’s not only hilarious, but it also has some of the best character arcs ever! The growth these characters go through is amazing (looking at you Alexis). It was also the first show I’d ever seen with a character that’s pansexual.
During the scene where David explained his pansexuality to Stevie using wine preferences, I cried happy tears. “I like the wine not the label.” I ran to tell my spouse, so excited to see myself represented in media. I always explained my pansexuality to people by saying, “I love a heart, not a body part,” but now I love using David’s wine analogy, too. So much so I have a sticker with the quote on my computer!
I adore David and Patrick’s relationship. I loved how the characters helped each other grow and supported one another. During those early days of the pandemic, I binged Schitt’s Creek, but only the David and Patrick scenes (I’ve binged the entire series like three times now, lol). Watching those two find love gave me hope. Much like romance novels do.
I also love that the show had David in several relationships with men and women before he met Patrick. It never erased David’s pansexuality, no matter who he was with. He was always pansexual.
Maybe I connect with their relationship so much because, like David, I am filled with anxiety and neuroses and, Like Patrick, my spouse always knows how to calm me down with love and understanding. Or maybe it’s because (SPOILERS!) Patrick and David are happily together in the end. Then again, it might be the pansexuality rep that sets my heart a flutter and makes me feel seen. Likely, it’s all the above.
Whatever the reason, if you haven’t watched Schitt’s Creek yet, I highly recommend it. All the characters are amazing, but Patrick and David are simply the best.
Bestselling author Mariah Ankenman lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her two rambunctious daughters and loving husband who provides ample inspiration for her heart-stopping heroes. Her books have been nominated for the prestigious RWA Golden Heart® and CRW Stiletto awards.
Whether she’s writing hometown heroes or sexy supernaturals, Mariah loves to lose herself in a world of words. Her favorite thing about writing is when she can make someone’s day a little brighter with one of her books.
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