For many fans of Family Matters, the will-they-won’t-they romance between Steve Urkel and Laura Winslow was a central part of the show’s appeal. Echoing the slow-burn tension of Jim and Pam in The Office, the dynamic between the nerdy Steve and the initially uninterested Laura kept viewers engaged. However, just as some felt Jim’s pursuit of Pam became strained, Family Matters presented a compelling alternative: Myra Bunkhouse. Myra’s arrival highlighted a crucial point – perhaps Steve’s ideal match wasn’t the woman he relentlessly pursued, but someone who appreciated him exactly as he was. This mirrors the dynamic between Jim, Karen, and Pam; while Jim was fixated on Pam, Karen was arguably a more compatible partner, a fact lost on him due to his long-standing infatuation.
Steve Urkel’s Unwavering Pursuit of Laura Winslow
Family Matters premiered in 1989 as a spin-off, focusing on Harriette Winslow, originally from Perfect Strangers. While initially conceived as a family-centric sitcom, the introduction of Steve Urkel in the first season dramatically shifted the show’s trajectory. Intended for a single episode, Urkel, the quintessential nerd with his signature glasses and suspenders, resonated deeply with audiences. His popularity surged, transforming him from a guest character into a series regular and ultimately, the show’s breakout star, regardless of behind-the-scenes cast dynamics.
Urkel’s high-pitched voice and catchphrase “Did I do that?” became iconic, but it was his unwavering affection for Laura Winslow that truly charmed viewers. From his first appearance, Steve was captivated by Laura, despite her consistent dismissal and embarrassment. His signature “Hey baby” was often met with eye-rolls and a curt “Shut up, Steve.” The sitcom trope of the nerd yearning for the popular girl was in full effect. Laura, seemingly out of Steve’s league, became the object of his relentless affection, and while her constant rejection could have been off-putting, Family Matters maintained their friendship, adhering to the sitcom expectation that persistent romantic pursuits eventually pay off.
Myra Bunkhouse: An Unconditional Love for Steve Urkel
While Family Matters occasionally hinted at a potential romance between Steve and Laura, Laura’s romantic interests typically leaned towards the stereotypical “bad boy” type. She was drawn to a different kind of charm, not the unwavering devotion of the nerdy boy next door. This dynamic shifted in the fourth season with the introduction of Myra Bunkhouse. Myra was presented as equally attractive as Laura, possessing a bright smile and an equally quirky personality. She was, in many ways, Steve’s female counterpart, and her interest in him was immediate and genuine.
The Winslow family and Steve Urkel, key characters from Family Matters, posing for a promotional shot.
Related: How ‘Family Matters’ Made One of Its Biggest Characters Disappear
With Laura remaining emotionally unavailable, Steve and Myra’s relationship blossomed. They found common ground in their shared interests, their optimistic outlooks, and, crucially, Myra was never bothered by Steve’s eccentricities. She was completely enamored with him, embracing his true self. Myra loved Steve Urkel for who he was, without any desire to change him. This was perfectly illustrated when Steve transformed into his suave alter ego, Stefan Urquelle. While Laura was instantly smitten with Stefan, Myra was unimpressed, even disapproving, because Stefan wasn’t the Steve she loved. This reaction spoke volumes about the depth and sincerity of Myra’s affection.
Jaleel White Champions Myra as Steve’s True Love
After eight seasons of romantic tension, Family Matters ultimately paired Steve and Laura in its ninth and final season. Laura suddenly realizes her long-held feelings for Steve, creating a somewhat contrived romantic resolution. However, this resolution awkwardly sidelined Myra. In a sitcom trope played for laughs, Steve chooses Laura over Myra, leading to Myra’s exaggerated, stalker-esque reaction and arrest. In a less comedic context, this love triangle finale could easily portray Myra as the wronged party. This mirrors the audience’s reaction in The Office when Jim chooses Pam, leaving Karen seemingly unfairly treated and prompting viewers to question Jim’s character in that scenario.
In Jaleel White’s memoir, Growing Up Urkel, he discusses the possibility of a Family Matters reboot. Producers envisioned a reboot with Steve and Laura married with children, mirroring Jaleel’s own life. However, White expressed a different vision. He wished Michelle Thomas, who tragically passed away in 1998, were still alive, believing Steve should have ended up with Myra. His reboot concept involves Steve and Myra married, with Laura moving nearby, creating a new source of comedic drama. Jaleel White’s perspective highlights a compelling truth: Myra Bunkhouse offered Steve Urkel a genuine, accepting love that Laura, despite her eventual change of heart, never truly provided. Myra, in essence, was Steve Urkel’s true love.
Family Matters is currently available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
