[spoilers] Harry and Ruth. The Wonder Years.

[A Cousin]

I chose #2 for three reasons - character, structure and actor:

1) Harry didn't ask for the right reasons, way or place in that moment and Ruth isn't ready. Both of them are going through their own personal and professional crisis that they need to accept for themselves before they can commit to each other. "I love you and you love me so lets get hitched" should be just that simple but it isn't for them. They need to meet halfway. (Incidentally: I think they eventually will.)

2) I think there is a lot more dramatic potential and tension to be explored arcing it the way it is. They moved it on but not over the melodramatic cliff. It flirts with the line as it is. Which is why I like it when they explore it obliquely (as in 9.4 and 9.5) and/or in baby steps.

3) I just love to watch Nicola Walker and Peter Firth chew the scenery!