The “hands-on approach” is a television trope that features two characters coming in close contact with one another.
If one person needs to be taught something, their romantic interest will swoop in to save the day, and get a little up close and personal while they’re at it.
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This is usually a way to create romantic tension between a pairing, and there are also a few occasions when it can be used to elicit a laugh.
We created a slideshow below of 13 ship moments featuring the “hands-on approach!”
Mulder teaches Scully how to play baseball – The X-Files
Why are we not surprised that Mulder had to wrap himself around Scully to teach her how to hold a bat properly? Whether this was necessary or not, this baseball lesson is one of our favorite moments between them to date.
Karen helps Matt shoot pool – Daredevil
When Matt misses his shot, Karen has no problem stepping in and lending a helping hand. It was impossible to ignore the chemistry sizzling between them throughout the entire scene.
Bellamy teaches Clarke how to shoot – The 100
The official script for this scene says, “Bellamy is thrown by the intimacy of having her so close.” How do people still think Bellarke is platonic after they share a moment like this one?
Ben and Maddie teach Ryn how to make love – Siren
This one may be cheating because “hands-on” is really the only approach to this there is. But life in the water is significantly different than life on land, and Ben and Maddie taught Ryn how to show your love for someone.
Jim and Pam’s karate fight – The Office
There wasn’t much teaching going on here, but there was a lot of unnecessary touching. So much so, that Pam abruptly put a stop to it when she received a judgemental look from her co-worker.
Jonah teaches Amy how to golf – Superstore
In a comedic moment, Jonah asked permission to put his arms around Amy to which she replied, “Just do it, Jonah. It’s only weird if you talk about it.” Amy and Jonah throwing their hands in the air and shouting “fore,” at the top of their lungs when they sunk the ball showcased just how happy they are when they’re around each other.
Daphne teaches Niles how to dance – Frasier
Niles’ feelings for Daphne were always apparent to everyone but her, so these dance lessons were fun to watch. The two even kissed in their performance, but Daphne thought it was all part of the show.
Emma teaches Hook to use a sword – Once Upon a Time
In an alternate reality, Hook isn’t the sword-wielding expert we know him to be. Emma has no problem getting up close and personal to teach him, which leads Hook to realize that they must have a close relationship back in her world.
Joey teaches Jesse how to golf – Full House
Rather than being romantic, this one is just plain funny. Jesse knows how intimate things can get when someone wraps their arms around you from behind in order to teach you how to do something.
Jake teaches Amy how to dance – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Sometimes we forget that Jake and Amy weren’t always together because of how in love they are now. But it took some time before the two found their way to each other, and this impromptu dance lesson was an adorable moment that helped Jake calm Amy’s nerves.
Jace teaches Clary how to wield a sword – Shadowhunters
Jace and Clary had a connection from the first moment they met. It was all-too-easy for the writers to use this teaching moment as a way to highlight the attraction between them.
Stefan teaches Elena to hunt – The Vampire Diaries
You wouldn’t think that hunting animals and sucking their blood would be a romantic sport, but Stefan used the hands-on approach hardcore and it suddenly turned into a full-blown makeout session.
Beckett teaches Castle how to shoot – Castle
We all know that Castle knew exactly what he was doing. But he played down his skills and jumped at the oppurtunity to receive some private lessons from Beckett.
