Neal fits that archetype of the underdog who is absent yet returns to put things right. The writers are just following a set film and television trope by making it seem bad for Neal, but by facing trials, Neal will overcome adversity and triumph. After all, that is tale of the unlikely hero, is it not?
‘TIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
False romantic lead vs plucky underdog.
We know this story ends.
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"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"