Netflixs The Queens Gambit deconstructs the manic pixie dream girl trope with its protagonist Elizabeth Beth Harmon and the complicated relationship and unrequited love between Townes and Elizabeth. The Queens Gambit follows Beths lifelong quest to become the worlds greatest chess player, starting with her traumatic childhood in an orphanage and addiction to tranquilizers. After meeting Townes at her first chess tournament, Beth develops a crush on him, and the two navigate a complex friendship that follows them for the rest of their lives. Townes’ role is incredibly nuanced, and he isn’t a simple romantic interest.

https://screenrant.com/queens-gambit-elizabeth-townes-relationship-father-issues-independence/