Harper's Nickname: Quentin's Intentions Explained

In the 1999 film The Best Man, Harper Stewart is an up-and-coming author who travels to New York City to spend the weekend with old friends from college. One of those friends is Julian Murch Murchison, and Harper chastises Quentin Spivey, another member of their friend group, for being unable to settle down in a job. Harper is also unsure about remaining a bachelor, and it is implied that he almost slept with Jordan Armstrong, another member of their friend group. It is unclear why Quentin calls Harper Joe, but it is possible that it is a term of endearment or a nickname that is meant to be playful or affectionate.

Harper is a flawed character

Harper Stewart is a flawed character in The Best Man series. Harper is an up-and-coming author who is devoted to his girlfriend Robyn, but he is unwilling to commit to her. This is a source of frustration for Robyn, who allows Harper to address his issues, but he ultimately fails to do so, leading to their divorce. Harper is also shown to be unsure about remaining a bachelor, and he struggles financially.

Harper's flaws are further highlighted in his interactions with his friends. He chastises Quentin for being unable to settle down in a job, not realizing that he is also struggling to commit in his own relationship. Harper also has a history of sleeping with his friends' partners. In the first movie, he sleeps with Lance's bride, and in the sequel, he has an inappropriate kiss with Jordan while married. Harper's actions cause significant drama and tension within the friend group, and he is considered the "villain" of the series by some fans.

Despite Harper's flaws, he is portrayed as a good father to his daughter Mia. However, his divorce from Robyn creates an unnecessary barrier between them, as she takes their daughter to live in Ghana. This decision by Robyn is controversial, as it may hinder Harper's ability to be an active father in Mia's life. Overall, while Harper has some positive qualities, his flaws and poor decisions significantly impact his relationships and contribute to the conflicts within the series.

Quentin is the most important character

Quentin Spivey is arguably the most important character in the "Best Man" trilogy. The genius of his character is undeniable, and some fans consider him the best or most important character in the series.

In the first movie, "The Best Man", Quentin is shown to be a free spirit. He antagonises Lance about Mia, whom he believes has never been with another man. He also deduces Harper's secret and is disgusted by it. Despite having choice words for Harper, he prevents Lance from throwing him off the ledge, showing that he always wants the right decision to be made for everyone in the long run.

In the sequel, "The Best Man Holiday", and the limited series, "The Best Man: The Final Chapters", Quentin's maturity is on full display. He takes over the day-to-day operations of the family business and even expands the hotel chain into Paris. He also shows a level of vulnerability by choosing to be with Shelby, despite the trouble they've put each other through in the past.

Quentin's character is also praised for his comedic relief and timing, with one scene in particular standing out as one of the funniest in the series.

Jordan and Harper's relationship

Jordan Armstrong and Harper Stewart's relationship in The Best Man is a complicated one. The two are good friends, and there is chemistry and a "genuine, deep, and beautiful connection" between them. However, Harper is married to Robyn, the love of his life, while Jordan is focused on her career. Despite this, there is a "sneaky links" mood between them that is ruined when Harper shows up after Lance puts his hands on him due to his book, Unfinished Business.

In The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Harper and Jordan share a passionate kiss but are interrupted by an emergency phone call. Harper's wife, Robyn, divorces him, and he goes to Jordan. She rejects him, saying she can't be his soft place to land and that he needs time to heal. However, she also says "I love you" and kisses him. The series then jumps two years ahead, and Harper and Jordan are both single and making eyes at each other. They share a similar kiss/interruption sequence in the first movie.

Ultimately, the actors who play Jordan and Harper, Nia Long and Taye Diggs, agree that their characters hooking up would be "electric" and might scare them.

Quentin's maturity

Another example of Quentin's maturity is when he prevents Lance from throwing Harper off a ledge during a heated moment. Despite his personal feelings, Quentin prioritises the well-being of everyone involved and encourages a resolution that benefits all parties in the long run. This demonstrates his ability to make rational decisions even in tense situations.

Furthermore, Quentin's maturity is evident in his handling of Murch's situation. Instead of letting Murch give his phone to his wife, Candice, which could have potentially caused issues, Quentin offers a better option, showcasing his problem-solving skills and willingness to help his friends.

In addition to these instances, Quentin's maturity is also reflected in his involvement in the family business. He takes on more responsibility by managing the day-to-day operations and even expanding the hotel chain to Paris. Although the Parisian property faces challenges due to the pandemic, Quentin remains dedicated to the business and weighs the offer to sell the properties thoughtfully. His commitment and strategic thinking demonstrate his maturity and ability to handle complex situations.

Harper's insecurities

In the film, Harper is the best man at the wedding of his friend Lance Sullivan, a New York Giants running back, and Mia Morgan. Harper's insecurities are exposed when it is revealed that he had a one-night stand with Mia in college, which he has kept secret from Lance. This leads to a confrontation between Harper and Lance, who is enraged by the betrayal. Harper's insecurities about his worth and his fear of losing Robyn are evident as he desperately tries to save the wedding and make amends.

In the sequel, "The Best Man Holiday," released in 2013, Harper's insecurities persist. His marriage to Robyn is rocky, and he finds himself drawn to Jordan Armstrong, with whom he shares a drunken kiss. Harper's insecurities about his marriage and his attraction to Jordan continue to plague him, leading to difficult decisions and consequences.

In the limited series, "The Best Man: The Final Chapters," Harper and Robyn's marriage reaches a crisis point, and they ultimately decide to divorce. Harper's insecurities about his worth and his place in the world are heightened as he navigates the end of his marriage and the potential for a new relationship with Jordan. Despite his success as a writer, winning a Pulitzer Prize, Harper struggles with self-doubt and uncertainty.

Throughout the franchise, Harper's insecurities are a central part of his character arc. He grapples with commitment, fear of loss, attraction to other women, and self-doubt. His insecurities drive his actions and shape his relationships with Robyn, Jordan, and his friends. Harper's journey is one of self-discovery and learning to overcome his insecurities to find happiness and fulfillment.

Frequently asked questions