It’s just dawned on me how Harry Osborn has been in a love triangle with Peter Parker involving either Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy in 2 separate Spider Man cartoons.
Spider-Man: The Animated Series – Mary Jane Watson
In the beginning of the series, Peter and Mary Jane were set up on a blind date by Peter’s aunt May and started dating. In season 2, Harry became interested in Mary Jane and constantly asked out her, but she turned him down. However, when Peter’s role as Spider-Man caused him to neglect their relationship and push Mary Jane away, it lead to their break up and Mary Jane in the arms of Harry, who gave her more time and attention than Peter ever did. In turn, Peter quickly regretted his actions and despite his attempts to move on, he still remained deeply in love with Mary Jane and in time it was clear the feeling was mutual. When Harry and Mary Jane suddenly got engaged, it finally made her come to terms with her true feelings, realizing she sees Harry as a little brother and that Peter has always been the one whose had her heart.
Mary Jane ends her engagement to Harry and finally gets back together with Peter and their relationship is far more stronger and stable than it ever was before. However, Harry becomes angry and bitter, believing Peter stole Mary Jane away from him and refuses to listen to reason. Eventually, Harry’s mental state becomes greatly affected after Mary Jane’s disappearance and through his father’s manipulation, causing him to become the next Green Goblin and institutionalized.
The love triangle is finally brought to an end when Mary Jane returns and she and Peter announce their getting married. Although Harry crashes the wedding and tries to force Mary Jane to marry him instead, he finally ends his ways after Liz Allen confesses she truly loves Harry.
The Spectacular Spider-Man – Gwen Stacy
In the beginning of the series, Peter, Gwen and Harry were a close group of friends, but it was obvious that Gwen has always been in love with Peter, who is oblivious to her feelings and finds himself growing closer to Liz Allen, the most popular girl in Midtown High. Gwen becomes saddened and jealous over Peter and Liz’s attraction while at the same time, she became concerned for Harry when he starts becoming addicted to the Green Goblin drug. In the season finale, Gwen finally acts on her feelings for Peter and they share their first kiss!
By season 2, the love triangle took full effect when Peter and Harry both realized their feelings for Gwen, but Gwen gets together with Harry since Peter decides to purse a romance with Liz instead. Despite their relationships with Harry and Liz, both Peter and Gwen made it obvious they are still head over heels for each other. Throughout the season, slowly yet surely, Peter truly comes to terms with his feelings, realizing that Gwen is truly the one and only girl for him.
In the series finale, Peter and Gwen finally and officially declare their love for each other with plans to break up with Liz and Harry so they can finally be together. However, unknown to the lovers, Harry overheard their confession and was angered over their love and betrayal towards him. Following the suppose “death” of his father, Harry manipulates Gwen into staying with him, forcing Peter and Gwen to remain apart, much to their heartache.
Harry starts out as Peter’s best friend, but slowly becomes his rival over their romantic interests and eventually goes from being his friend to enemy.
Harry becomes angry and bitter when both girls chose Peter over him.
The Green Goblin is somehow involved in both love triangles.
In the comics, as well, Harry Osborn is in fact involved in both love triangles!
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