succeeds because it respects its audience’s desire for both steamy romance and a coherent plot

I cried. Not because it was sad, but because it was freeing .

“You’re not hurt,” he observes softly. “Just afraid.”

These characters—these "husbandos"—offer a narrative safety net. You can love Captain Harlock because he will never break your heart. He will always choose honor. You can simp for Askeladd because his tragedy is already written; you are safe to admire him.