The Girl Scout Cookie Pairing Guide as a Classic 80’s Movie
Note: This post is based on the Girl Scout Cookie Wine Pairing Guide from this post.
Imagine the quintessential American high school in the heart of the 1980s, with all the charm and quirk of a John Hughes movie. Our protagonists aren't just teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence; they're personified Girl Scout cookies and their wine counterparts, each with their own dreams, dramas, and desires for the perfect pairing.
The Characters
The Unlikely Romance
Tagalongs, the popular kid with a heart of peanut butter, never noticed the depth of Banyuls, the introspective wine with notes of blackberry jam, until a school project forced them together. As they collaborate, Tagalongs discovers Banyuls' sweet depth is the perfect complement to its own richness. But then, Bugey Cerdon enters the scene, the effervescent new kid from France, whose sparkling personality and strawberry jam notes offer a refreshing contrast that captivates Tagalongs. It's a classic love triangle set against the backdrop of high school drama, complete with mixtapes and secret glances.
The Cool Recluse
Thin Mints, the cool, minty loner who always sits at the back of the class, finds an unexpected connection with Braulio, the mysterious exchange student with a penchant for poetry and herbaceous amaro. Together, they navigate the halls, finding solace in each other's company. But when Merlot, the smooth-talking class president with a velvety voice, takes an interest in Thin Mints, it sparks a journey of self-discovery and the realization that sometimes, the best matches are the ones you least expect.
The Party Planner
Samoas, the life of every party with their irresistible mix of caramel, chocolate, and coconut, dreams of the ultimate bash to end their high school career. Enter Verdelho Madeira, the worldly and adventurous senior with tales of travels and a rich, complex personality. Together, they plan the most epic party, discovering that the key to a great event (and love) is in the perfect pairing of flavors and personalities.
The Underdog Story
Trefoils, the overlooked but loyal friend, finds themselves in a classic underdog story when they pair up with Buttery Chardonnay and Extended Lees Champagne for the school's talent show. With Chardonnay's rich, buttery support and Champagne's sophisticated encouragement, Trefoils discovers their own worth, proving that even the simplest among us have layers of talent waiting to be recognized, especially when paired with the right partners.
The New Kid
Adventurefuls, the new cookie on the block, arrives mid-semester with tales of daring flavors and bold dreams. Feeling out of place, they find a kindred spirit in Tawny Port, the vintage wine with stories of aged perfection and a rich palette. Together, they navigate the challenges of being new, finding that boldness and embracing your true flavors can lead to the most rewarding friendships and pairings.
The Sweethearts
Do-si-dos, the dependable and sweet-natured cookie everyone counts on, has always had a crush on Manzanilla Sherry, the salty, bright student who excels in science. In a twist of fate, they're paired for a chemistry project, discovering a reaction they never anticipated. Meanwhile, Vin Santo, the honeyed and richly layered class valedictorian, offers a different kind of chemistry, challenging Do-si-dos to explore the depths of flavor and love.
A Secret Encounter
The narrative turns unexpectedly when Thin Mints, the cool, minty cookie known for its refreshing persona, and Manzanilla Sherry, the salty, bright wine hailed for its distinctively sharp flavor, share a secret and passionate encounter. This liaison defies all conventional wisdom about pairings, as their contrasting flavors were never meant to complement each other according to the traditional rules of taste and compatibility. Their relationship, born out of a spontaneous moment during a group study session, evolves in secrecy, hidden away from their peers' scrutinizing eyes and the pairing world's judgmental tastes.
The Build-up
The build-up to the reveal is charged with tension as Thin Mints and Manzanilla Sherry struggle to navigate their unexpected attraction amidst the bustling activities leading up to the epic party. Their clandestine meetings are filled with moments of doubt and exhilaration as they explore the depths of their connection, questioning the very foundations of what makes a "perfect" pairing.
The Party – Climax and Big Reveal
The epic party, meticulously planned by Samoas and Verdelho Madeira, becomes the stage for the dramatic unveiling of this forbidden romance. As the night reaches its peaks, amidst the laughter, dancing, and clinking of glasses, Thin Mints and Manzanilla Sherry are inadvertently thrust into the spotlight, their secret laid bare for all to see.
The revelation sends shockwaves through the party, silencing the music and halting the festivities. The unexpected pairing of Thin Mints and Manzanilla Sherry challenges the characters' preconceived notions about compatibility, prompting a heated debate among the cookies and wines about tradition, taste, and the true meaning of pairing.
Resolution and Acceptance
In the wake of the reveal, the characters are forced to confront their biases and embrace a broader understanding of relationships and pairings. Tagalongs, inspired by Thin Mints and Manzanilla Sherry's courage, openly embraces both Banyuls and Bugey Cerdon, advocating for the freedom to choose multiple pairings. Samoas and Verdelho Madeira, bolstered by the support of their friends, proudly affirm their relationship, while Trefoils, reflecting on the loss of Extended Lees Champagne, delivers a moving speech about love, loss, and the importance of living authentically.
As dawn breaks, the characters gather outside, united by their shared experiences and newfound perspectives. They vow to redefine the rules of pairings, celebrating the diversity of flavors and the unpredictable nature of love.
The End
The movie concludes on a note of hopeful defiance, with the characters walking together into the sunrise, ready to face a world where the essence of a true pairing is not dictated by convention but by the depth of connection and mutual respect. The film ends with a freeze-frame of their smiling faces, a tribute to the enduring spirit of friendship and love beyond labels.