Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for The Merry Gentlemen!
In Netflix’sThe Merry Gentlemen, Luke’s negative past relationship has an influence on his behavior and his willingness to open his heart to Ashley. TheChristmas romantic comedyoffers aMagic Miketwist to Netflix’s Hallmark-esque holiday movies. Ashley sets out to save her parents’ musical bar by putting on a male dance review, aka a strip show, with the help of a local carpenter named Luke. Ashley and Luke are introduced as love interests, even though the way they first interact is more of a meet-ugly than a meet-cute.
However, both characters are initially resistant to the individuals trying to push the couple together. Ashley very overtly states the reason for her hesitance. She doesn’t think a relationship is necessary to her happiness.Luke, on the other hand, seems to have an immediate disdain for Ashley that somehow connects to her being a city girl.Only towards the end of The Merry Gentlemen does the audience and Ashley learn why Luke has acted brusque towards her.
Luke’s Ex-Girlfriend Left Him For The Big City Before The Start Of The Merry Gentlemen
When Luke walks Ashley home from the bar, he mentions that he had a messy breakup, but she doesn’t provide any details about the woman or what happened. His clipped tone and evasiveness about sharing anything about the relationship point to the pain he feels about the experience.
Immediately after learning Ashley is from New York City, he puts up an emotional guard towards her despite not knowing anything about her personality, values, or interests
Later, Ashley learns that Luke and his ex, Amy, came to Sycamore Creek from the city. They happily settled down, with Luke opening a business. Then,Amy left him out of the blue to return to the big city, breaking up with him.This information is crucial to understanding Luke and Ashley’s burgeoning relationship inChad Michael Murray’sThe Merry Gentlemen.
Luke’s Past Relationship Influences His Opinion Of Ashley From The Beginning
Luke Guards His Heart Because Of His Past Romance
Luke’s relationship with Amy is essential to understanding the dynamics between him and Ashley. Immediately after learning Ashley is from New York City, he puts up an emotional guard towards her despite not knowing anything about her personality, values, or interests. Every time Luke learns something new about his love interest, he engages in confirmation bias. Their romantic spark develops despite his negative perception of city girls.
Where Was The Merry Gentlemen Filmed? Chad Michael Murray Christmas Movie’s Filming Locations Explained
With a few key locations, The Merry Gentlemen creates a cozy and familiar setting perfect for lovers of a small-town Christmas romance.
The fact that Amy left him for the city also makes him more reactive when Ashley announces that she’s returning to The Jingle Belleson Broadway near theend ofThe Merry Gentlemen. Ultimately, she forces him to confront his own biases, which were created by his relationship with Amy. He almost falls in love with Ashley inThe Merry Gentlemenagainst his will.
