I always enjoyed watching The Next Step, and after rewatching it for probably the fifth time, I thought it would be appropriate for me to rate the couples worst to best.
5. James and Beth
This couple has to be the worst couple I’ve seen. Not only were the circumstances that led them to date inappropriate (aka cheating,) but James was never truly invested. Throughout the relationship, James was mentally checked out and putting his effort towards winning back Riley. It was also mentioned that he tried breaking up with Beth multiple times but she “wasn’t getting the hint.” The sweetest moment they shared as a couple was when Beth handed him the four-leaf clover he had to give Riley, one of the conditions on her list for James to get back together with her. Overall it was a terrible relationship with only one person invested emotionally.
4. Emily and Eldon
This relationship was atrocious. It may have had potential, but once again, we have someone who wasn’t emotionally invested in the relationship. The first season started with Eldon pursuing Emily, and her not wanting anything to do with him. Eventually they did end up dating, but Eldon seemed to have lost interest in her shortly after while working on his duet with Michelle. He only seemed to be interested in the idea of her, and not actually being in a relationship with her. He was basically emotionally cheating on her the whole time, and while Michelle owed Emily nothing while she was at Elite, Eldon did owe her loyalty. For that, they have earned a low ranking.
3. Michelle and Eldon
When I was younger and first watched the show, I really wanted these two to be together. My main reason was because of my dislike for Emily, but it was also because I loved Michelle. After recently rewatching the show, I didn’t really like anything about their relationship. The way their relationship began and ended was messy. Michelle stole her co-captain’s boyfriend, and Eldon really chose to date the girl who took his ex-girlfriend’s dance captaincy. Besides these unfortunate circumstances, I also didn’t like how their relationship ended—Eldon did not need to participate in the dance battle with Hunter for Michelle, considering she was already his girlfriend. Taking all of this into consideration, they were alright at most, but I’ve definitely seen worse.
2. Hunter and Emily
Like some of the other relationships, their relationship probably didn’t start in the most ideal way, but as a couple, they worked well together. They initially bonded over trying to break up Michelle and Eldon so they could each go back to what they believed were their best respective partners. After they had already broken up Michelle and Eldon, Hunter and Emily realized they would rather be together. This is in no way the best way to start a relationship, but their similarities and the bond they formed during that time is why I ranked them higher. Their break up was unfortunate, but probably somewhat deserved for what they did. That being said, I would not have minded if they had stayed together.
1. James and Riley
This relationship has to be by far my favourite. It started out with us learning that James dated multiple girls in the past while Riley had absolutely no interest in him romantically. They eventually got close and went on an absolutely adorable first date where James got multiple food items from different places in the world. I feel like the development of the relationship was well executed and made them a good couple. I will say in season two, the producers messed up their relationship by having James cheat on Riley. It was very unfortunate, but I guess they somewhat made up for it by having James complete a list to get her back. Nonetheless, James and Riley still have to be the best couple on my list (based on the other ones I’ve seen).
Overall, I find that The Next Step could’ve had better couples, but the show is still very enjoyable to watch.