Michaela Stone and Jared Vasquez’s complicated romance is a central pillar of Manifest. They finally succumb to their desires and sleep together in Season 3, Episode 5, “Water Landing.” This pivotal moment occurs after years of longing, near-misses, and external obstacles keeping them apart, marking a significant shift in their already tangled dynamic.
The Long Road to “Water Landing”: A Relationship Overview
Michaela and Jared’s relationship is one of the most fraught and compelling aspects of Manifest. They were engaged before Flight 828 disappeared, but Michaela’s presumed death and subsequent return five and a half years later threw a massive wrench into their plans. Jared, believing Michaela dead, eventually moved on and married her best friend, Lourdes. This creates a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and unresolved feelings that fuels much of the show’s drama.
The series expertly uses the Callings, the mysterious psychic directives the passengers experience, to further complicate their relationship. Sometimes the Callings force them to work together, highlighting their undeniable connection, while at other times, they seem designed to push them further apart. Jared’s professional responsibilities as a police officer also frequently clash with Michaela’s growing understanding of the Callings and her desire to help her fellow passengers, adding another layer of conflict. Their relationship is a constant push and pull between their history, their present circumstances, and the unknown future dictated by the Callings.
Season 3: The Breaking Point
Season 3 sees their individual lives becoming increasingly intertwined with the overarching mysteries of the Death Date and the growing threat facing the 828 passengers. Lourdes is gone, and Jared is divorced, allowing the unresolved tension between him and Michaela to resurface. However, Michaela is also wrestling with feelings for Zeke, another 828 passenger who shares a profound connection with her and the Callings.
Episode 5, “Water Landing,” proves to be a turning point. The pressure of the Callings, coupled with their undeniable attraction, finally becomes too much to resist. The episode sees them working closely together on a particularly intense Calling, strengthening their bond and reminding them of everything they’ve lost and longed for. The emotional intensity of the situation, combined with their long-suppressed desires, culminates in them finally sleeping together.
The Aftermath: A Brief Moment of Happiness
While the moment is undoubtedly charged with emotion, it doesn’t necessarily pave the way for a smooth relationship. The writers expertly use this event to further explore the complexities of their feelings and the challenges they face. The consequences of their actions reverberate throughout the season, impacting their individual relationships with Zeke and Sarah (Jared’s new girlfriend) and further complicating their ability to work together on the Callings.
The Complications Ahead
The show doesn’t shy away from exploring the ethical implications of their choices. Jared’s past marriage to Lourdes and Michaela’s current relationship with Zeke add significant layers of guilt and uncertainty to their situation. The brief period of happiness they experience after sleeping together is quickly overshadowed by the realities of their complicated lives and the ever-present threat of the Death Date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Michaela and Jared
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of Michaela and Jared’s relationship, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their dynamic within the Manifest universe.
H3: When did Michaela and Jared first meet?
They met before Flight 828 disappeared. They were childhood friends who eventually fell in love and became engaged. The trauma of Michaela’s disappearance only intensified the deep-seated connection they shared.
H3: Why didn’t Michaela and Jared get married before Flight 828?
Michaela was experiencing a period of self-doubt and uncertainty before the flight. She was hesitant about marrying Jared, feeling unsure if she was truly ready for that level of commitment. A tragic accident involving her friend added to her internal turmoil, leading to her boarding Flight 828 in the first place.
H3: How did Jared react to Michaela’s return?
Jared was shocked and overjoyed to see Michaela alive after five and a half years. However, he was also married to Lourdes, creating a deeply uncomfortable and complex situation for all three of them. He struggled to reconcile his past feelings for Michaela with his present commitments.
H3: What initially drove Jared to marry Lourdes?
Believing Michaela to be dead, Jared sought comfort and stability in Lourdes’ friendship. Over time, their bond deepened, and they eventually fell in love and got married. It was a way for Jared to move on and rebuild his life after the profound loss he experienced.
H3: How did the Callings affect Michaela and Jared’s relationship?
The Callings often forced them to work together, highlighting their undeniable connection and shared purpose. However, they also created conflict, as Jared’s responsibilities as a police officer often clashed with Michaela’s independent pursuit of the Callings.
H3: Did Jared ever regret marrying Lourdes?
The show suggests that Jared did grapple with feelings of regret and conflicted loyalties. While he loved Lourdes, the reappearance of Michaela inevitably stirred up unresolved feelings and complicated his marriage.
H3: What was Zeke’s role in Michaela and Jared’s dynamic?
Zeke’s arrival as another 828 passenger with a strong connection to the Callings created a love triangle. He and Michaela shared a unique bond based on their shared experience and understanding of the Callings, challenging Michaela’s feelings for Jared.
H3: How did Sarah, Jared’s girlfriend, impact their situation?
Sarah’s presence further complicated the situation, adding another layer of emotional entanglement. Michaela had to confront her feelings for Jared while knowing that he was involved with someone else. Sarah also became involved in the 828 mysteries, putting her life at risk.
H3: What were the consequences of Michaela and Jared sleeping together?
Sleeping together strained Michaela’s relationship with Zeke and created tension with Sarah. It also forced them to confront the underlying issues in their relationship and question whether they could truly make it work.
H3: Did Michaela ever truly move on from Jared before Zeke?
It’s debatable. While she attempted to build a life and relationship with Zeke, a part of her always seemed to hold onto the possibility of reconciliation with Jared. The deep-seated history and shared trauma they experienced made it difficult to fully let go.
H3: What is the ultimate fate of Michaela and Jared’s relationship in Manifest?
(Spoiler alert!) Throughout the show’s twists and turns, Michaela ultimately chooses Zeke. However, after Zeke sacrifices himself to save Cal, the finale hints at a possible reunion between Michaela and Jared. This leaves their ultimate romantic destiny open to interpretation, although they are seen getting back together in the post-Judgment Day timeline.
H3: What made Michaela and Jared’s relationship so compelling to watch?
Their relationship resonated with audiences because it was built on a foundation of deep love and shared history, but constantly challenged by external forces and internal conflicts. The complexities of their situation, the unresolved feelings, and the ethical dilemmas they faced made their story both captivating and relatable. They represent the challenges of navigating love, loss, and second chances in extraordinary circumstances. Their dynamic, fueled by compelling acting and intricate writing, continues to be a talking point among fans of the show.