In Honor of ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,’ 7 of Marvel TV’s Best Dynamic Duos
Now that The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has premiered, Marvel fans are more than elated that fan-favorite duo Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) are getting their time to shine in the MCU. In the past, the two have perfectly balanced out the action around them with their charming development from vengeful team members to humorous teammates. While we may still be in the dark about quite a bit with this new series, fans of the characters are eager to see more of this onscreen pair.
However, as we look back through Marvel’s history, it is clear that fans have been treated to some truly engaging pairs throughout the years. From Netflix’s stint with The Defenders to ABC’s foray into the world of S.H.I.E.L.D, many dynamic duos have emerged in the TV section of the MCU.
Keep reading for some of the best friendships, frenemies, and relationships that Marvel TV has to offer.
Matt Murdock & Foggy Nelson, Daredevil
Our favorite “avocados” at law, Matt (Charlie Cox) and Foggy’s (Elden Henson) friendship is truly one of the emotional cores of the action-filled Daredevil. The two have a strong and comedic bond typical of Marvel duos that extends to their careers as lawyers. However, what makes these best friends unique is Foggy’s initial unawareness of Matt’s identity as Daredevil. It can be argued that their relationship is never the same once Foggy discovers Matt’s secret, but that disparity is what makes the relationship all the more real. While Foggy is not always happy with Matt’s double life, he still remains a faithful friend and sticks by his side through it all.
Jessica Jones & Trish Walker, Jessica Jones
Like much of the tonally dark Jessica Jones, the relationship between adopted sisters Jessica (Krysten Ritter) and Trish (Rachael Taylor) takes many dramatic twists and turns throughout its three seasons. While Season 1 sees the two come together to defeat Jessica’s lifelong nemesis Kilgrave (David Tennant), Trish’s character arc and descent into violence see her become a significant antagonist in Season 3. Although they never mend their friendship, taking a look back at the duo’s unstoppable female-led crime-solving skills reminds us why this series was so striking to begin with.
Leo Fitz & Jemma Simmons, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Not only is this Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D pair a dynamic duo, but the evolution of their romantic relationship proved to be one of the highlights of the show’s early seasons. Fans quickly latched onto their humorous bickering and palpable romantic tension, delighting when they finally ended up together after countless roadblocks. Over the course of seven seasons, viewers watched Jemma (Elizabeth Henstridge) and Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) not only grow as characters into their lives as S.H.I.E.L.D agents but also develop their heartwarming love for each other. While their storylines often intertwined with the chaos of the Marvel Universe, FitzSimmons served as a significant element of romance that kept viewers coming back for more.
Peggy Carter & Edwin Jarvis, Marvel's Agent Carter
A hidden gem of the Marvel TV canon, Agent Carter presented viewers with a deeper understanding of the iconic character Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) in a framework outside of her relationship with Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). The series also gave fans a look into the origins of Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy) who would go on to inspire J.A.R.V.I.S as he becomes known in the Marvel films. Put these two together, and Agent Carter’s most hilarious duo is born. Peggy’s commanding presence combined with Jarvis’s clumsy demeanor truly renders these two a humorous highlight of the short-lived, yet fan-favorite, series. Their quips and biting dialogue give the show a unique comedic edge.
Monica Rambeau & Jimmy Woo, WandaVision
While Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) is entrancing the citizens of Westview with her grief-stricken magic, S.W.O.R.D agents Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) are scrambling to understand the mysteries of Wanda’s sitcom. As they continue to work together, it becomes clear that this partnership is one to watch. With Monica’s intense determination and Jimmy’s comedic relief, this pair keep viewers engaged when the cameras stop rolling in Westview. Even though WandaVision has ended, there’s one thing for certain — fans can’t get enough of Monica and Jimmy!
Luke Cage & Claire Temple, Luke Cage
The relationship between Luke Cage (Mike Colter) and Claire Temple (Rosario Dawson) can simply be defined in three words: a power couple. While the two don’t get a happy ending at the end of Season 2, they’re still an iconic tag team. Claire’s impressive smarts as a nurse see her as the resident healer for many of The Defenders in times of trouble. Therefore, her intellect and strong will combined with Luke’s physical strength and heroic nature make them a memorable couple throughout Netflix’s run with the MCU.
Tandy Bowen & Tyrone Johnson, Marvel's Cloak and Dagger
Despite the titular characters of Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger being romantically involved in the comics, Freeform’s depiction of the pair portrays them as friends for a majority of its two-season run. However, the bond between Tandy (Olivia Holt) and Ty (Aubrey Joseph) presents a refreshing narrative of found family amongst lost teenagers. Throughout the series, they are bound together by the Divine Pairing, creating a trusting relationship where both heroes view each other as equals. Needless to say, regardless of their relationship label, Tandy and Ty’s bond is truly special in a world where all they have is each other.
