I've recently heard a rumor about Brendan. I'll not dignify it by repeating it, but I will say it has to do with his alleged relationship with Majandra. I say "alleged", because I don't know if they were ever really dating or not. Yes, they attended some events together, but that doesn't mean anything. Relationships can often seem real, but are often based on temporary, even manufactured, circumstances.

I know that didn't make any sense. That's because what I have to say can't be said in a sound bite, so bear with the long explanations.

Some fans got all excited because Brendan and Majandra went to a few public events together. I can only assume, because I haven't asked all of them personally, that they got excited because they enjoy the Micheal and Maria relationship. And they should, it's a stark contrast to the sappy puppy love of Max and Liz, and much more realistic. I enjoy watching it myself. However I do not need the fantasy to be carried over into reality.

Whenever I see shipperdom being carried too far, I always think of those fans of "The X Files" who swear David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson should get married. I don't know if such creatures still exist, but they were plentiful during the series first few seasons. Wanting Mulder and Scully together is one twisted and wrong thing, wanting the actors who portray them together is a whole new level of absurdity. Adding fuel to this fantasy fire was the fact that Anderson and Duchovny "dated", meaning they appeared at various award shows together. At the time, both were single and the show was still largely unknown. It was nothing more than free show publicity, but it planted a seed of blight in some minds. In fact, the comparison can be carried further than that. Time proved that Anderson and Duchovny could find their own mates. Not enough time has passed for Brendan and Majandra to get on with their respective romantic lives. Brendan is more focused on making movies while Majandra is making music.

These "relationships" were either manufactured by showbiz people or arose out of a lack of opportunity. Take two attractive, single people on a new program and send them off together to award shows, premieres, what have you. Boom, instant, free publicity for your show. However it bears noting that in Brendan's case, he went to many more events alone than with a date. Jason and Shiri have also went on "dates", but he's with Alyssa Milano now, so Dreamers have to keep their fantasies at show level.

Jason had the opportunity to meet women outside of the show. Actors often talk about how rigorous filming a television show is. Long hours isolate you from anyone other than fellow cast members and show staff. Psychologists recognize that trauma can bond people together. While 'traumatic' might be a bit extreme, it certainly is taxing to do a television show. While this bond might help people get through the work day, it does not mean that these people are truely compatable. Removed from the work environment and exposed to more members of the opposite sex, Brendan and Majandra will be able to make choices that honestly fulfill thier needs. This does not need to impact their performances or our appreciation of them.

Were Brendan and Majandra actually together in the first place? Only they know the answer. If they did have a manufactured relationship I don't think that makes either of them any less honest or admirable. Hollywood is a business first and foremost, not a match game.