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calliopes_pen) wrote2006-01-23 07:42 am
calliopes_pen) wrote2006-01-23 07:42 am
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Egon/Janine Essay
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ship_manifesto.
Title: The Power of Science
Author:calliopes_pen
E-mail: julia_hoffman2003@yahoo.com
Fandom: Ghostbusters
Pairing: Egon Spengler/Janine Melnitz
Spoilers: Both Ghostbusters movies, Real Ghostbusters, Extreme Ghostbusters, and probably a few of the comics.
Notes: Thanks go out to theghostbusters group for helping me find out which episodes of Real Ghostbusters were Egon/Janine related. I would have been stuck going through the DVD’s I bought from Ebay for the rest of the month if you guys hadn’t pointed me in the right direction. Thanks to my beta reader seandc. The banner after the introduction was also made by seandc.
Janine: You're very handy, I can tell. I bet you like to read a lot, too.
Egon: Print is dead.
Janine: Oh, that's very fascinating to me. I read a lot myself. Some people think I'm too intellectual but I think it's a fabulous way to spend your spare time. I also play racquetball. Do you have any hobbies?
Egon: I collect spores, molds, and fungus.
--A hobby conversation between Egon and Janine...obviously, it didn’t go in the direction that Janine hoped for.
Introduction
Ghostbusters. Within this fandom, Janine Melnitz and Egon Spengler have had what can only be described as the longest dance around their feelings. They might even be described as a cute couple if they could only admit their feelings. If this were the Jossverse, you just know they would have been killed the second they admitted their feelings. Even after twenty years they still have a chance together, even if it is only through fiction written by the fans. The third movie that many have hoped for will never be getting off the ground, and fanfiction is the best option.
Egon Spengler: He Who Loves Spores, Molds, and Fungi
Egon: Look, just because my hair is turning grey, and I'm getting flabby, my eyesight and hearing have diminished, my metabolic rate has slowed down, and I'm no longer producing brain cells, doesn't mean I'm getting old.
--Egon in is a state of denial during an episode of Extreme Ghostbusters. The episode is entitled The Sphinx--it’s not just a river in Egypt in Egon’s case.
Egon Spengler. Quite possibly the driest physicist on the planet. And one of the brightest of men; a genius--except when it comes to matters of the heart.
Egon is a most complicated character. A man driven by science, and the thirst for knowledge. One would think he would be cold and emotionless upon first glance. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Spengler is a man who (according to the cartoon) appreciates the opera; while at the same time he enjoys inventing gadgets for ghostbusting, and collecting the assorted spores, molds, and fungi.
While not a bad person, he could be utterly clueless at the best of times. He overlooked nearly every hint there was for the longest time.
Janine Melnitz: Not Just A Secretary
Janine: Ghostbusters, what do you want?!
--The unique way that Ms. Melnitz answers the phone, from the first movie. Don’t make her angry. You won’t like her when she’s angry.
Throughout the first Ghostbusters movie, and each respective cartoon series (Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters), Janine Melnitz showed that she was clearly in love in with Egon Spengler. Sure, it started as infatuation, but it eventually grew.
In the first movie, it was mostly subtle hints. Janine tries to find out what interests Egon. And she frequently fears for his safety. She even states so after Louis Tully/Vinz Clortho describes the coming of Gozer in the quote below this paragraph. Another example occurs shortly before the coming of Gozer. She gives Egon her lucky coin, and prays he’ll survive the fight. Unfortunately, this scene was cut from the movie.
Janine: Egon, there's something very strange about that man. I'm very psychic usually and right now I have this terrible feeling that something awful is going to happen to you. I'm afraid you're going to die.
Egon: Die in what sense?
Janine: In the physical sense.
Egon: I don't care. I see us as tiny parts of a vast organism, like two bacteria living on a rotting speck of dust floating in an infinite void.
Janine: That’s so romantic.
*She quickly hugs him*
--A bizarre conversation and hugging occurs in the first Ghostbusters movie, while Louis Tully (currently possessed by Vinz Clortho) plays with the pizza in the background.
And in the end credits, she is obviously thrilled that Egon survived. In one of the final scenes of the movie, they share a hug. This leaves the audience--and probably Janine--with the belief that they might have a chance of a future together.
And just why is this woman a good match for Egon? She can help to keep him rooted in reality. If left alone, Egon Spengler would simply stay cut off from the world in his laboratory. She is very outspoken as well--the flip side of the coin from Egon, who normally stays almost too dry and scientific.
Together Through The Cartoons, And Beyond
Regarding the Real Ghostbusters cartoon series, there were quite a few unfavorable choices regarding the characterization of Egon/Janine as a couple. Most unfortunate for fans of the pairing was the decision of producers of later seasons to completely alter Janine’s character. If one reads the interview with J. Michael Straczynski (which may be found in the General Links section) one begins to realize just how completely the character was altered.
Producers reportedly decided that the pairing of Egon and Janine was something that children would not understand, and it was mostly removed. An episode occurring in later seasons sought to explain all the changes. Written by JMS, the episode in question was season 6's Janine, You’ve Changed and is a very nice explanation of why the character went through so many unexplained personality and style shifts.
Janine, You’ve Changed is also a pivotal episode due to the fact that Egon acknowledges and returns Janine’s feelings. The exact quote occurs when he is trying to save Janine. "You want to destroy me, Janine? I won't try to stop you. But remember this. I love you. Peter, Winston, Ray, all of us, we love you." Of course, no matter how Egon regard Janine, he will always remain less than polished when it comes to figuring out how to spend time with her, as can be seen in the below quote. His first passion will always be science. The poor guy can’t understand why a science movie might bore another person to tears.
Egon: So, would you, maybe, like to, go see a movie sometime? I mean, with me?
Janine: I think that would be very nice, Egon. Thank you.
Egon: How do you feel about science films? Life of a Bug? Molecules and You? This could be fun.
--Egon and Janine decide to go on a date; from the Real Ghostbusters episode Janine, You’ve Changed.
In addition to this one particular episode, Egon has revealed his feelings while under the influences of spells and love potions. And if not for the machinations of writers under a different regime (meaning not JMS) Janine and Egon probably would have gotten together early on in the cartoon series. Thank goodness for fanfiction, a place where the characters can actually get into a survivable relationship and, in the hands of a good writer, thrive.
Janine: Ok, guys, activate proton packs. We'll flush 'em out.
Egon: You're beautiful when you flush 'em out.
---Egon under the influence of a love spell, from the Real Ghostbusters episode Janine’s Genie.
Other episodes in which there are hints of a blooming relationship between the pair include the following episodes: Ragnarok & Roll, Janine’s Genie, Cry Uncle, Ghost Busted, and, in a quick scene, Citizen Ghost. The scene in question in Citizen Ghost includes Egon saving Janine from being killed by the evil spectral doubles of the Ghostbusters. He tackles her to the floor, and she doesn’t want him to stand up and leave again. It is a very cute scene, and is yet more proof that Egon can be clueless at the best of times.
In Extreme Ghostbusters, the tradition of subtext continued. And from Extreme Ghostbusters the following episodes contain overtones of Egon/Janine: The Crawler and Back in the Saddle Part 1. In the former, a bug creature named Cohila controls Janine, and Egon tells her that he loves her; that classically hysterical quote may be found after this paragraph. In the latter, Egon and Janine go out to dinner on his birthday. Unfortunately, he would rather discuss his molds.
Kylie: Tell her you love her!
Egon: Is that appropriate?
Kylie: DO IT!
Egon: Janine, I love you.
Kylie: You wanna press your lips to hers.
Egon: I want to press my lips to yours. *after a moment of waiting* That's it, Janine. Kiss me. Ah...give me some sugar, baby.
And after she’s saved from a fate worse than death--eternity as a giant bug--she tries to make Egon pay up on his offer of a kiss.
Janine: I'll take that kiss now.
Egon: Oh, that! Well, you see, that was just part of the plan. I was attempting to break Cohila's psychic grip on you by ...
*Janine grabs Egon and kisses him*
Janine: Think about THAT, next time I ask you to dinner!
Twenty years and still only halfway into a relationship with Egon? The lady has the patience of a saint--I’m amazed she hasn’t hurt him yet. She's probably been venting her frustration on snarkiness with Venkman.
Other Media
Ghostbusters and the aforementioned pairing of Egon and Janine are spread throughout our pop culture. Comics are just one other medium in which you may be able to find this pairing. An excellent comic in which to see Janine attempting to garner Egon’s attention is one published by 88 MPH in 2004. The miniseries was entitled Ghostbusters: Legion, and ran for four issues. The subplot involved her using a self-help book in a final bid to get the scientist to notice her. A particularly funny part involved her putting on a lot of make-up.
As you might imagine, Egon didn’t notice the effort. He was busy with other problems, and all that came of it was a horrified Winston screaming when he saw her face--he thought she was a demonic clown. As of the final issue (#4) of the mini-series, the two planned to go out on a date.
At this moment in time, there have not been any other Ghostbusters mini-series planned for the future.
Why I Love This Couple
Janine/Egon. Personally, I think if Egon would have just set aside a few of his mold experiments for a moment and looked around, he would have realized that she wanted him. That, and after blowing up the lab one too many times, it really needed a fresh coat of paint.
In the first movie, she hinted so often. If he had ever noticed, it would have been cute. And as proof that Janine's feelings were obvious to everyone except Egon himself, I even noticed the subtext when I was three! At the time, I assumed they actually were a couple in the movie.
At the end of the first movie, you can see Janine and Egon hugging. Apparently, she was out there with the rest of the crowd, waiting for Gozer to be stopped. (And somehow missed getting covered in goo--good hiding spot, wherever she was during the confrontation.)
There is also a deleted scene where the two hug before she gives Egon her lucky coin. She hopes it will help him. Plus, as a twist, in Making Ghostbusters the original script ends with them running off to Vegas to get married.
In the first cartoon series, I believe they did date at least once. A few other times Egon was under the influence of a love spell or possession, so those don't count.
On Janine's side, she had a lot of love to give, and was very patient. From what was seen in the movies and the cartoons, she was willing to wait as long as it took for him to notice.
On Egon's side, he gradually became less uptight around her during the cartoon series. Of course, on his birthday during Extreme Ghostbusters, he discusses his molds and spores while Janine is trying for a nice dinner at a restaurant. I am not kidding about that part, either. She sings Happy Birthday and he starts to discuss the varieties of molds that could grow on the cake. When he isn't completely absorbed in an experiment, he can be a gentleman. He does open the door for her at the very least.
Personally, I think if Janine could have gotten him into a non-scientific situation, she might have been able to talk sense into him. Managing that could have won her the Nobel Prize as far as I’m concerned. Of course, she would have had to pick a situation that wasn't life-threatening or ghost related, as well. Otherwise she wouldn't even be able to break through his concentration towards the PKE meter. And if anything did happen between the two of them, I can just imagine Egon leaving the PKE meter on the bedside table nearby. He could even use it as a nightlight.
As you can see, I'm pretty much ignoring the second movie. Apart from the scene where Janine thinks Louis Tully looks great when he is wearing Egon's jumpsuit, there wasn't anything between them. Harold Ramis hated the pairing and did his best to remove it from the second movie. A lot could have happened in the five year gap (if you don’t count the cartoons) between movies. For all the fans know, there could have been a torrid affair--but it’s very doubtful. Since when has Egon ever been torrid?
Recommended Reading
Making Ghostbusters, written by Don Shay. Originally published in 1984, this book contains the original script for the first Ghostbusters movie, as well as an alternate ending that was never filmed. The original ending included Janine and Egon running off to Las Vegas to get married. I highly recommend this book to any Ghostbusters fan—even if you might have to either sell your house or your soul to find and afford it. It is very rare.
Websites
General
A Discussion of the Egon/Janine pairing.
Sequential Tart Article About Ghostbusters.
Proton Charging. An interview with J. Michael Straczynski relating why Janine was changed in Real Ghostbusters, and how he attempted to rectify the situation.
PKE Online—Episode Descriptions of Real Ghostbusters.
Spook Central: The Unofficial Companion To The Ghostbusters Phenomenon.
Fanfic Related
Regina. Written by Singe. Rated R, this story shows how much everyone loves Janine—especially after she is captured and tortured by a demon. In the aftermath, Egon and Janine finally admit their feelings for one another. Highly recommended. However, those who are squeamish may wish to avoid the first half, which contains graphic descriptions of torture.
Boohoo. Written by LJ Whorfin. This is a very funny spoof of the mood slime from the second movie. This mood slime causes depression—and an interesting situation for Egon and Janine at one point. This is probably rated PG at the most.
Thorny Situation, written by batE. Egon attempts to romance Janine, and things don’t go quite according to plan. Much to his humiliation. Rated PG-13.
Feedback. Written by Princess Artemis, this story is extremely well-written. Janine begins dating someone that causes major jealousy in Egon’s mind. He realizes he does love her, but doesn’t know how he can win her back. The secret of the man she is dating is quite a surprise, as well.
Relative Absolution. Rated R. Written by Princess Artemis, this is a spectacular and riveting fanfic. Egon slowly begins to change, and the story culminates in an epic battle between good and evil. The price is Egon’s soul. The ending is stunning and I refuse to spoil it for anyone.
R & R, written by Elctrowolf. A very sweet Egon/Janine story, set during the Extreme Ghostbusters era--this would probably be rated as PG-13. Egon has trouble figuring out what is causing the proton packs to malfunction, and a break is in order. Janine helps him get his mind off of things.
Travelling Light, written by Sheila Paulson. Peter gets trapped in Janine’s body, after his astral self gets torn from his body. Egon and Janine are together in secret according to this story.
Invitation to the Dance. Written by Mara, this fanfic involves Janine briefly trying to make Egon jealous. When she gets possessed after donning a pair of haunted ballet slippers, Egon tries to save her, and their feelings are brought up after years of denying them.
Inescapable. Written by Fritz Baugh, this fanfic shows Egon’s point of view during the episode Janine, You've Changed.
Worshipped From Afar. Written by Hanofer. This drabble perfectly explains the reason why Janine won’t tell Egon of her feelings. Yet.
Still Life. Written by Linda Dennis. When a tragedy happens, and Janine is thought dead, Egon realizes his feelings for her. The rest is an attempt to save her life. This summary of the story can’t capture the depth of emotion throughout it, and is highly recommended.
Pandora’s Box. Written wonderfully by Mary Jean Holmes. Gozer attempts to return and a minion takes over Egon’s body. The rest of the team tries to figure out how to save him and the world before it’s too late. So well-written, it should have been another Ghostbusters movie.
Love Potion #9 1/2. This story is written by Sheila Paulson. Janine uses a love potion on Egon, but doesn't realize what the cost will be. Especially when someone else drinks the rest of the love potion by mistake. An extremely well-written story.
Fanlistings
They’re Here To Save The World: A Ghostbusters Fanlisting.
Egon/Janine Related Groups
ghostbusters
crossthestreams
RGBSmarm.
RGBfanfic.
rgbadultfic.
therealghostbustersclub.
ship_manifesto.Title: The Power of Science
Author:
calliopes_penE-mail: julia_hoffman2003@yahoo.com
Fandom: Ghostbusters
Pairing: Egon Spengler/Janine Melnitz
Spoilers: Both Ghostbusters movies, Real Ghostbusters, Extreme Ghostbusters, and probably a few of the comics.
Notes: Thanks go out to the
ghostbusters group for helping me find out which episodes of Real Ghostbusters were Egon/Janine related. I would have been stuck going through the DVD’s I bought from Ebay for the rest of the month if you guys hadn’t pointed me in the right direction. Thanks to my beta reader seandc. The banner after the introduction was also made by seandc.Janine: You're very handy, I can tell. I bet you like to read a lot, too.
Egon: Print is dead.
Janine: Oh, that's very fascinating to me. I read a lot myself. Some people think I'm too intellectual but I think it's a fabulous way to spend your spare time. I also play racquetball. Do you have any hobbies?
Egon: I collect spores, molds, and fungus.
--A hobby conversation between Egon and Janine...obviously, it didn’t go in the direction that Janine hoped for.
Introduction
Ghostbusters. Within this fandom, Janine Melnitz and Egon Spengler have had what can only be described as the longest dance around their feelings. They might even be described as a cute couple if they could only admit their feelings. If this were the Jossverse, you just know they would have been killed the second they admitted their feelings. Even after twenty years they still have a chance together, even if it is only through fiction written by the fans. The third movie that many have hoped for will never be getting off the ground, and fanfiction is the best option.
Egon Spengler: He Who Loves Spores, Molds, and Fungi
Egon: Look, just because my hair is turning grey, and I'm getting flabby, my eyesight and hearing have diminished, my metabolic rate has slowed down, and I'm no longer producing brain cells, doesn't mean I'm getting old.
--Egon in is a state of denial during an episode of Extreme Ghostbusters. The episode is entitled The Sphinx--it’s not just a river in Egypt in Egon’s case.
Egon Spengler. Quite possibly the driest physicist on the planet. And one of the brightest of men; a genius--except when it comes to matters of the heart.
Egon is a most complicated character. A man driven by science, and the thirst for knowledge. One would think he would be cold and emotionless upon first glance. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Spengler is a man who (according to the cartoon) appreciates the opera; while at the same time he enjoys inventing gadgets for ghostbusting, and collecting the assorted spores, molds, and fungi.
While not a bad person, he could be utterly clueless at the best of times. He overlooked nearly every hint there was for the longest time.
Janine Melnitz: Not Just A Secretary
Janine: Ghostbusters, what do you want?!
--The unique way that Ms. Melnitz answers the phone, from the first movie. Don’t make her angry. You won’t like her when she’s angry.
Throughout the first Ghostbusters movie, and each respective cartoon series (Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters), Janine Melnitz showed that she was clearly in love in with Egon Spengler. Sure, it started as infatuation, but it eventually grew.
In the first movie, it was mostly subtle hints. Janine tries to find out what interests Egon. And she frequently fears for his safety. She even states so after Louis Tully/Vinz Clortho describes the coming of Gozer in the quote below this paragraph. Another example occurs shortly before the coming of Gozer. She gives Egon her lucky coin, and prays he’ll survive the fight. Unfortunately, this scene was cut from the movie.
Janine: Egon, there's something very strange about that man. I'm very psychic usually and right now I have this terrible feeling that something awful is going to happen to you. I'm afraid you're going to die.
Egon: Die in what sense?
Janine: In the physical sense.
Egon: I don't care. I see us as tiny parts of a vast organism, like two bacteria living on a rotting speck of dust floating in an infinite void.
Janine: That’s so romantic.
*She quickly hugs him*
--A bizarre conversation and hugging occurs in the first Ghostbusters movie, while Louis Tully (currently possessed by Vinz Clortho) plays with the pizza in the background.
And in the end credits, she is obviously thrilled that Egon survived. In one of the final scenes of the movie, they share a hug. This leaves the audience--and probably Janine--with the belief that they might have a chance of a future together.
And just why is this woman a good match for Egon? She can help to keep him rooted in reality. If left alone, Egon Spengler would simply stay cut off from the world in his laboratory. She is very outspoken as well--the flip side of the coin from Egon, who normally stays almost too dry and scientific.
Together Through The Cartoons, And Beyond
Regarding the Real Ghostbusters cartoon series, there were quite a few unfavorable choices regarding the characterization of Egon/Janine as a couple. Most unfortunate for fans of the pairing was the decision of producers of later seasons to completely alter Janine’s character. If one reads the interview with J. Michael Straczynski (which may be found in the General Links section) one begins to realize just how completely the character was altered.
Producers reportedly decided that the pairing of Egon and Janine was something that children would not understand, and it was mostly removed. An episode occurring in later seasons sought to explain all the changes. Written by JMS, the episode in question was season 6's Janine, You’ve Changed and is a very nice explanation of why the character went through so many unexplained personality and style shifts.
Janine, You’ve Changed is also a pivotal episode due to the fact that Egon acknowledges and returns Janine’s feelings. The exact quote occurs when he is trying to save Janine. "You want to destroy me, Janine? I won't try to stop you. But remember this. I love you. Peter, Winston, Ray, all of us, we love you." Of course, no matter how Egon regard Janine, he will always remain less than polished when it comes to figuring out how to spend time with her, as can be seen in the below quote. His first passion will always be science. The poor guy can’t understand why a science movie might bore another person to tears.
Egon: So, would you, maybe, like to, go see a movie sometime? I mean, with me?
Janine: I think that would be very nice, Egon. Thank you.
Egon: How do you feel about science films? Life of a Bug? Molecules and You? This could be fun.
--Egon and Janine decide to go on a date; from the Real Ghostbusters episode Janine, You’ve Changed.
In addition to this one particular episode, Egon has revealed his feelings while under the influences of spells and love potions. And if not for the machinations of writers under a different regime (meaning not JMS) Janine and Egon probably would have gotten together early on in the cartoon series. Thank goodness for fanfiction, a place where the characters can actually get into a survivable relationship and, in the hands of a good writer, thrive.
Janine: Ok, guys, activate proton packs. We'll flush 'em out.
Egon: You're beautiful when you flush 'em out.
---Egon under the influence of a love spell, from the Real Ghostbusters episode Janine’s Genie.
Other episodes in which there are hints of a blooming relationship between the pair include the following episodes: Ragnarok & Roll, Janine’s Genie, Cry Uncle, Ghost Busted, and, in a quick scene, Citizen Ghost. The scene in question in Citizen Ghost includes Egon saving Janine from being killed by the evil spectral doubles of the Ghostbusters. He tackles her to the floor, and she doesn’t want him to stand up and leave again. It is a very cute scene, and is yet more proof that Egon can be clueless at the best of times.
In Extreme Ghostbusters, the tradition of subtext continued. And from Extreme Ghostbusters the following episodes contain overtones of Egon/Janine: The Crawler and Back in the Saddle Part 1. In the former, a bug creature named Cohila controls Janine, and Egon tells her that he loves her; that classically hysterical quote may be found after this paragraph. In the latter, Egon and Janine go out to dinner on his birthday. Unfortunately, he would rather discuss his molds.
Kylie: Tell her you love her!
Egon: Is that appropriate?
Kylie: DO IT!
Egon: Janine, I love you.
Kylie: You wanna press your lips to hers.
Egon: I want to press my lips to yours. *after a moment of waiting* That's it, Janine. Kiss me. Ah...give me some sugar, baby.
And after she’s saved from a fate worse than death--eternity as a giant bug--she tries to make Egon pay up on his offer of a kiss.
Janine: I'll take that kiss now.
Egon: Oh, that! Well, you see, that was just part of the plan. I was attempting to break Cohila's psychic grip on you by ...
*Janine grabs Egon and kisses him*
Janine: Think about THAT, next time I ask you to dinner!
Twenty years and still only halfway into a relationship with Egon? The lady has the patience of a saint--I’m amazed she hasn’t hurt him yet. She's probably been venting her frustration on snarkiness with Venkman.
Other Media
Ghostbusters and the aforementioned pairing of Egon and Janine are spread throughout our pop culture. Comics are just one other medium in which you may be able to find this pairing. An excellent comic in which to see Janine attempting to garner Egon’s attention is one published by 88 MPH in 2004. The miniseries was entitled Ghostbusters: Legion, and ran for four issues. The subplot involved her using a self-help book in a final bid to get the scientist to notice her. A particularly funny part involved her putting on a lot of make-up.
As you might imagine, Egon didn’t notice the effort. He was busy with other problems, and all that came of it was a horrified Winston screaming when he saw her face--he thought she was a demonic clown. As of the final issue (#4) of the mini-series, the two planned to go out on a date.
At this moment in time, there have not been any other Ghostbusters mini-series planned for the future.
Why I Love This Couple
Janine/Egon. Personally, I think if Egon would have just set aside a few of his mold experiments for a moment and looked around, he would have realized that she wanted him. That, and after blowing up the lab one too many times, it really needed a fresh coat of paint.
In the first movie, she hinted so often. If he had ever noticed, it would have been cute. And as proof that Janine's feelings were obvious to everyone except Egon himself, I even noticed the subtext when I was three! At the time, I assumed they actually were a couple in the movie.
At the end of the first movie, you can see Janine and Egon hugging. Apparently, she was out there with the rest of the crowd, waiting for Gozer to be stopped. (And somehow missed getting covered in goo--good hiding spot, wherever she was during the confrontation.)
There is also a deleted scene where the two hug before she gives Egon her lucky coin. She hopes it will help him. Plus, as a twist, in Making Ghostbusters the original script ends with them running off to Vegas to get married.
In the first cartoon series, I believe they did date at least once. A few other times Egon was under the influence of a love spell or possession, so those don't count.
On Janine's side, she had a lot of love to give, and was very patient. From what was seen in the movies and the cartoons, she was willing to wait as long as it took for him to notice.
On Egon's side, he gradually became less uptight around her during the cartoon series. Of course, on his birthday during Extreme Ghostbusters, he discusses his molds and spores while Janine is trying for a nice dinner at a restaurant. I am not kidding about that part, either. She sings Happy Birthday and he starts to discuss the varieties of molds that could grow on the cake. When he isn't completely absorbed in an experiment, he can be a gentleman. He does open the door for her at the very least.
Personally, I think if Janine could have gotten him into a non-scientific situation, she might have been able to talk sense into him. Managing that could have won her the Nobel Prize as far as I’m concerned. Of course, she would have had to pick a situation that wasn't life-threatening or ghost related, as well. Otherwise she wouldn't even be able to break through his concentration towards the PKE meter. And if anything did happen between the two of them, I can just imagine Egon leaving the PKE meter on the bedside table nearby. He could even use it as a nightlight.
As you can see, I'm pretty much ignoring the second movie. Apart from the scene where Janine thinks Louis Tully looks great when he is wearing Egon's jumpsuit, there wasn't anything between them. Harold Ramis hated the pairing and did his best to remove it from the second movie. A lot could have happened in the five year gap (if you don’t count the cartoons) between movies. For all the fans know, there could have been a torrid affair--but it’s very doubtful. Since when has Egon ever been torrid?
Recommended Reading
Making Ghostbusters, written by Don Shay. Originally published in 1984, this book contains the original script for the first Ghostbusters movie, as well as an alternate ending that was never filmed. The original ending included Janine and Egon running off to Las Vegas to get married. I highly recommend this book to any Ghostbusters fan—even if you might have to either sell your house or your soul to find and afford it. It is very rare.
Websites
General
A Discussion of the Egon/Janine pairing.
Sequential Tart Article About Ghostbusters.
Proton Charging. An interview with J. Michael Straczynski relating why Janine was changed in Real Ghostbusters, and how he attempted to rectify the situation.
PKE Online—Episode Descriptions of Real Ghostbusters.
Spook Central: The Unofficial Companion To The Ghostbusters Phenomenon.
Fanfic Related
Regina. Written by Singe. Rated R, this story shows how much everyone loves Janine—especially after she is captured and tortured by a demon. In the aftermath, Egon and Janine finally admit their feelings for one another. Highly recommended. However, those who are squeamish may wish to avoid the first half, which contains graphic descriptions of torture.
Boohoo. Written by LJ Whorfin. This is a very funny spoof of the mood slime from the second movie. This mood slime causes depression—and an interesting situation for Egon and Janine at one point. This is probably rated PG at the most.
Thorny Situation, written by batE. Egon attempts to romance Janine, and things don’t go quite according to plan. Much to his humiliation. Rated PG-13.
Feedback. Written by Princess Artemis, this story is extremely well-written. Janine begins dating someone that causes major jealousy in Egon’s mind. He realizes he does love her, but doesn’t know how he can win her back. The secret of the man she is dating is quite a surprise, as well.
Relative Absolution. Rated R. Written by Princess Artemis, this is a spectacular and riveting fanfic. Egon slowly begins to change, and the story culminates in an epic battle between good and evil. The price is Egon’s soul. The ending is stunning and I refuse to spoil it for anyone.
R & R, written by Elctrowolf. A very sweet Egon/Janine story, set during the Extreme Ghostbusters era--this would probably be rated as PG-13. Egon has trouble figuring out what is causing the proton packs to malfunction, and a break is in order. Janine helps him get his mind off of things.
Travelling Light, written by Sheila Paulson. Peter gets trapped in Janine’s body, after his astral self gets torn from his body. Egon and Janine are together in secret according to this story.
Invitation to the Dance. Written by Mara, this fanfic involves Janine briefly trying to make Egon jealous. When she gets possessed after donning a pair of haunted ballet slippers, Egon tries to save her, and their feelings are brought up after years of denying them.
Inescapable. Written by Fritz Baugh, this fanfic shows Egon’s point of view during the episode Janine, You've Changed.
Worshipped From Afar. Written by Hanofer. This drabble perfectly explains the reason why Janine won’t tell Egon of her feelings. Yet.
Still Life. Written by Linda Dennis. When a tragedy happens, and Janine is thought dead, Egon realizes his feelings for her. The rest is an attempt to save her life. This summary of the story can’t capture the depth of emotion throughout it, and is highly recommended.
Pandora’s Box. Written wonderfully by Mary Jean Holmes. Gozer attempts to return and a minion takes over Egon’s body. The rest of the team tries to figure out how to save him and the world before it’s too late. So well-written, it should have been another Ghostbusters movie.
Love Potion #9 1/2. This story is written by Sheila Paulson. Janine uses a love potion on Egon, but doesn't realize what the cost will be. Especially when someone else drinks the rest of the love potion by mistake. An extremely well-written story.
Fanlistings
They’re Here To Save The World: A Ghostbusters Fanlisting.
Egon/Janine Related Groups
ghostbusterscrossthestreamsRGBSmarm.
RGBfanfic.
rgbadultfic.
therealghostbustersclub.
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*holds on to fanon*
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And yeah. I remember re-watching some of JMS's work on RGB, and I forgot how amazing those were.
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And the reason why Janine's glasses were changed from the pointy style to something else in later seasons was explained in a JMS interview. After he left, the other writers apparently thought the pointy glasses would scare little children--so they made her more of a "mommie figure."
And I thought I might have been the only one that loved EGB. Apparently not.
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When Real Ghostbusters was around, I was 5. I watched it every Saturday morning and loved it. Most of them definitely still hold up.
With Extreme Ghostbusters, it aired right before I had to leave for high school. 6:30 AM, I think. I almost never knew it existed, until I caught a few reruns.
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