If it’s happening between a man and a woman, I’m paying attention. For that matter, if it’s happening between two men or two women and there’s a spark there, I’m also paying attention. Watching “Knick” with the husband, I’m giving half an ear to the proceedings, the gory early medical procedures, the male posturing over status in the hospital. Then Clive Owen has a scene with a young nurse, and my eyes dart to the screen, my ears pricking up. Now this is what I’m interested in. What’s going on between them? He’s paternalistic and a little suggestive, bringing his status to bear in pressuring her to be silent about his opium addiction. But is he actively trying to seduce her? If so, does he feel desire for her, or is this just part of his method of influence? And her—how does she feel here? She’s showing deference, but does she feel attraction? Does she really feel the respect she’s showing, or is she disgusted and afraid? Is she really that good at hiding her feelings, or is she really naive enough to believe his line?
This is the stuff I’ll always care about in a story: a sexually or emotionally charged connection being played out while we watch. This is the kind of interaction that will always draw me in.