You know them. You love them. You find them inexplicably attractive. In this first ever minisode of the Gifted Child Symposium, we discuss the evergreen trope of the broody male love interest. Think Mr Darcy from Pride & Prejudice, Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses, Edward Cullen from Twilight, and many, many more. What is it about these mysterious, sullen, tall, dark, and handsome men that makes them appear so often and appeal so widely? Join us as we discuss two case studies and unpick the dynamics that make power imbalance in romance hot and also work. Are the girlies okay? That’s an entirely separate discussion.