“Family Matters” was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 90s, known for its lovable characters, hilarious moments, and heartwarming family dynamics. However, like many long-running TV shows, there were storylines that never quite received the resolution they deserved. As viewers, we were left hanging on several mysteries, from unresolved character arcs to loose ends that were never tied up.
In this article, we dive deep into 10 unresolved storylines from “Family Matters” that still leave fans scratching their heads. Whether it was a missed opportunity for character development or simply forgotten plot points, these unanswered questions remain a part of the show’s legacy.
1. What Happened to Eddie and Laura’s Relationship?
The Romance That Never Fully Bloomed
From the early seasons, Eddie Winslow and Laura Winslow seemed to be on the path to a romantic relationship. They shared a lot of sibling rivalry, but there was an undeniable connection between them. Throughout the series, we saw Eddie trying to win Laura’s affection, and Laura even showed interest at various points.
However, as the show progressed, this romance was never fully explored or resolved. By the time the series ended, Eddie had developed a relationship with Judy Winslow’s friend, and Laura’s romantic storyline shifted entirely to Stefan Urquelle and later Steve Urkel. So, what happened to Eddie and Laura’s potential romance? It was left dangling, much to the frustration of fans who had rooted for them.
2. What Was the Future of Steve Urkel and Laura?
The Love Triangle That Was Never Fully Wrapped Up
Steve Urkel’s unwavering love for Laura Winslow was one of the driving forces of the series. For years, fans watched as Urkel’s infatuation with Laura was a source of both comedy and tenderness. But what about the future of their relationship? While Laura eventually started dating Steve’s cooler alter-ego Stefan Urquelle, the series didn’t give a concrete conclusion to whether she would end up with Steve or Stefan.
While the show hinted at Laura’s growing affection for Urkel as Stefan’s cool persona faded, it was never made clear who Laura would ultimately choose. Fans were left to imagine the future of this quirky yet sweet romance, as the show ended without resolving this major storyline.
3. Did Steve Urkel and Laura Ever Get Married?
The Future of Steve and Laura’s Relationship Remains Unanswered
As we saw in the later seasons, Steve Urkel transformed from an awkward nerd into a more confident, suave figure thanks to his alter-ego Stefan Urquelle. While Laura seemed more drawn to Stefan, there was a growing sense of affection for the real Steve, especially as his character evolved. Fans were left wondering whether Steve and Laura would eventually tie the knot.
Unfortunately, the show’s end didn’t answer this burning question, leaving the fans to wonder if Urkel and Laura ever made it down the aisle. Did Laura finally see beyond Steve’s clumsy exterior, or did she stay with Stefan? The series left this relationship open-ended.
4. What Happened to Eddie’s Career Ambitions?
The Unresolved Fate of Eddie Winslow
Throughout “Family Matters,” Eddie Winslow had numerous career aspirations, ranging from becoming a police officer to exploring other professional opportunities. However, as the series came to a close, Eddie’s future career path was never clearly defined. Did he make it into the police academy? Did he fulfill his dream of becoming an officer like his father, Carl Winslow? These questions remained unanswered.
Fans of Eddie’s character never got a glimpse into his life beyond the family dynamic, leaving his career ambitions unresolved. Was Eddie successful in his endeavors, or did he take a different path altogether? The show never gave us the closure we wanted.
5. What Happened to Judy Winslow?
The Mysterious Disappearance of Judy
Perhaps one of the most baffling unresolved storylines in “Family Matters” is the sudden disappearance of Judy Winslow, the youngest Winslow child. One day, Judy was simply written out of the show with no explanation—she was no longer seen, nor was there any mention of her absence.
It wasn’t until later in the series that Carl and Harriette mentioned Judy’s absence, but the show never gave any proper closure to what happened to her. Did Judy go off to college? Did she move out of the house? Fans were left with no answers about the fate of the character, and the mystery of her disappearance remains one of the show’s most enduring questions.
6. What Happened to Carl’s Father?
The Unresolved Family Backstory
While Carl Winslow had a solid relationship with his immediate family, there was very little development surrounding his father. In one episode, Carl’s father was briefly introduced, but we never got to see much of him or learn about his backstory in-depth. Was Carl’s father still alive? What was their relationship really like?
The lack of exploration into Carl’s paternal side of the family left viewers wanting more, and the show never answered these questions.
7. Did Urkel Ever Get His Own Show?
The Urkel Spin-off That Never Happened
Steve Urkel became such a cultural phenomenon during the height of “Family Matters” that many believed he would eventually get his own spin-off show. In fact, a lot of fans thought that Urkel’s journey to becoming a successful inventor or business mogul would be explored in more detail.
While Urkel did have a few storylines dedicated to his inventions and personal growth, the promised spin-off never came to fruition. Did Urkel’s dreams of success in the real world materialize? We’ll never know for sure, as this plot was never explored fully.
8. What Happened to Myra?
The Unfinished Love Story Between Urkel and Myra
Myra Monkhouse, Steve’s girlfriend, entered the picture as a significant part of his life in later seasons of “Family Matters.” She was a recurring character who adored Steve, and the two seemed to have a strong connection. However, as the series progressed, Myra’s character was pushed aside, and her storyline was left unresolved.
Did Steve and Myra end up together, or did Steve eventually choose Laura over her? The fate of their relationship was never clearly defined, leaving fans questioning what could have been for the couple.
9. Was Steve Ever Truly Accepted by the Winslow Family?
The Unfinished Journey of Steve’s Relationship with the Winslows
Throughout “Family Matters,” Steve Urkel struggled to fit in with the Winslow family, especially in the early seasons when his clumsy and annoying behavior was a major source of conflict. However, over time, Steve earned his place as a beloved member of the family.
Still, the show never fully explored whether Steve was truly accepted by everyone in the Winslow household. While Harriette and Carl grew to love Steve, was he ever fully embraced by the entire family? Fans never got a satisfying resolution to this dynamic.
10. The Future of Carl and Harriette’s Marriage
What’s Next for Carl and Harriette?
Carl and Harriette Winslow were one of the most enduring married couples on TV, showcasing a relationship built on love, respect, and occasional conflict. However, by the end of the series, fans were left wondering: what happens next for Carl and Harriette? Would they continue to navigate the challenges of family life together, or would their marriage evolve into something different in the years ahead?
The show didn’t give us a glimpse into their future beyond the final episode, leaving us to imagine what life might have looked like for the Winslow couple after the cameras stopped rolling.
Conclusion
“Family Matters” left behind many memorable moments, but also many unresolved storylines that still intrigue fans to this day. From Steve’s romantic future to the fate of Judy Winslow, these dangling plot threads are a part of what made the show so endearing—and frustrating. As fans, we can only wonder about what could have been if these storylines had been given the attention they deserved. Despite these unanswered questions, “Family Matters” will always remain a beloved classic.
FAQs
1. Why was Judy Winslow written out of “Family Matters”?
Judy Winslow’s disappearance was never explained on the show. She simply stopped appearing in later seasons, with no mention of her absence.
2. Did Steve Urkel ever get his own show?
Although Steve Urkel was a huge fan favorite, a spin-off featuring Urkel was never produced, leaving fans to wonder about his future outside of “Family Matters.”
3. What happened between Eddie and Laura?
The potential romance between Eddie and Laura was never fully explored, as their relationship faded into the background as the show progressed.
4. What was the fate of Carl Winslow’s father?
Carl’s father was briefly introduced, but his backstory was never expanded upon, leaving viewers curious about their relationship.
5. Did Steve and Myra stay together?
Steve’s relationship with Myra was never fully resolved, and it was unclear whether they remained a couple by the end of the show.
