I know there are Ned fans out there (I’m looking at you, Escape This Podcast), but I’m not one of them. He’s boring, useless, and really has nothing to add to the series other than fulfilling an archaic idea that Nancy needs a man.
Do the Hardy Boys have girlfriends? No! So Nancy doesn’t need a boyfriend! Especially not Ned!
However, if Nancy were to go out with someone, I say Joe. He’s hilarious. 😀 At least in the video games he is. Joe in the old 70s show is pretty cringey. Frank, on the other hand, is always uptight in the show and the games.
↓ Transcript
Panel 1 -
Manpans: I'm not a detective, Errol
Errol: You'll be great! you can be Nancy Drew, and I can be Bess!
Panel 2 -
Manpans: What?
Errol: First order of business: dump Ned.
Panel 3 -
Manpans: I thought we were investigating something!
Errol: One: YOU'RE investigating. Two: Nancy can do better.
Panel 4 -
Manpans: Did you want to solve a mystery, or did you want to write Nancy Drew fanfic?
Errol: Why can't I do both?
Manpans: I'm not a detective, Errol
Errol: You'll be great! you can be Nancy Drew, and I can be Bess!
Panel 2 -
Manpans: What?
Errol: First order of business: dump Ned.
Panel 3 -
Manpans: I thought we were investigating something!
Errol: One: YOU'RE investigating. Two: Nancy can do better.
Panel 4 -
Manpans: Did you want to solve a mystery, or did you want to write Nancy Drew fanfic?
Errol: Why can't I do both?
Googling has revealed that (at least originally) Joe and Frank had girlfriends. Although my recollection from reading my father’s (original) books to my youngest — they were not going “steady” – so maybe one of them could rescue Nancy from the milquetoast Ned.
Somewhat curious if you’ve seen the CW version of Nancy Drew. I watch it remotely with a friend. Let’s just say we snarked our way through each episode. Curious when (if?) it will return for Season 2 (technically renewed, but who knows).
Oh right! hah. I forgot about that. I wonder if they were around during the shows too.