A romance between Nancy and Ace doesn't cross viewers' minds as an option during the early episodes of Nancy Drew. Ace isn't on the list of Nancy's potential love interests, and there's an especially strong emphasis on her relationship with Nick in Nancy Drew season 1.
Despite their initial lack of screentime together, Nancy and Ace's connection becomes more prominent as the show goes on. While fans are distracted by the current romances, the two are slowly building in the background. Their relationship is taking center stage in season 3, with Nancy realizing that her feelings for Ace go beyond friendship. It's more clear than ever that Nancy and Ace are meant for each other, and there are plenty of reasons why they're a great pair.
Nancy And Ace Have A Foundation Of Friendship
Nancy and Ace have the potential to be the best couple in Nancy Drew because of their strong foundation. Romance doesn't initially appear to be in the cards, and the two are able to get to know each other without any pressure or expectations.
Nancy isn't good at making friends, and without Ace, she likely wouldn't be as close as she is to the Drew Crew. She's used to doing everything on her own, but Ace helps her understand that she no longer has to. He continuously shows up for Nancy without being asked, and Bess, Nick, and George follow in his footsteps.
Ace Wants What's Best For Nancy
The most toxic romances in teen dramas are often rooted in an inability to love one another selflessly. What's best for one person isn't always what's best for the other, and the decisions couples make are what shape their relationships. Nancy Drew isn't a teen drama necessarily, but it does fit the CW's typical mold for the genre.
Nancy and Ace's relationship stands out due to the mature way they approach one another's wants and needs. It's obvious throughout season 3's first episode, "The Warning of the Frozen Heart," that Ace is upset at the idea of losing Nancy to Columbia. However, he still roots for her success and offers to help her apply to other schools if it's what will make her happy.
Nancy Gives Ace A Sense Of Purpose
Everyone in the Drew Crew is simply getting by after high school, working at the diner to make ends meet. Ace is tired of treading water and getting nowhere, but everything changes once he grows closer to Nancy.
He admits that everything he's done with her has given him the sense of purpose he's previously lacked. Ace has never had a friend group like the Drew Crew, and the relationships he's formed have changed his entire life. Without even meaning to, Nancy helps Ace find everything that he's been missing.
Ace Has Unconditional Faith In Nancy
Ace's faith in Nancy is unparalleled to the rest of the Drew Crew's. While they are impressed by her skills, their assurance is contingent on their own rationalization. Oppositely, Ace is willing to bet his life on Nancy's intelligence.
He proves his loyalty to her when he drinks a vile of poison that Nancy claims is water. Thankfully, his trust in her isn't misplaced, and Nick later comments on Ace's willingness to put himself on the line for their friend. However, Ace never saw it as a risk because he knew that Nancy was right.
Nancy And Ace Have The Same Way Of Thinking
Nancy and Ace epitomize the phrase, "great minds think alike." They process things differently than the rest of the group yet are always in sync with one another. Ace's girlfriend picks up on their connection almost immediately when she sees how seamlessly they work together.
The pair makes cracking a safe look effortless, and they have always been on the same wavelength — even if it goes unnoticed until Nancy Drew season 2. Nancy and Ace are both naturally curious characters who can always count on one another to share their enthusiasm for a case.
Ace Respects Nancy's Boundaries
Nancy has difficulty opening up to people and being vulnerable. When someone pressures her to talk before she's ready, they end up pushing her away. Ace is the only person who ever makes an effort to get to know Nancy and understand how she works.
Rather than pressing her for information, Ace offers to listen if she ever wants to talk. Because Nancy doesn't feel like she's under scrutiny, she's more willing to have an honest conversation on her own timetable. Ace has become Nancy's closest confidant, and her ability to open up to him without being prompted shows that their relationship sparks individual growth.
Nancy Has A "Powerful" Dreamscape Experience With Ace
All of Nancy's friends play a specific role in helping her defeat the Wraith. They may all be manifestations of her subconscious, but each of them has positively influenced Nancy and become a part of her. Ace is implied to have a particularly significant impact on Nancy, as he's the last person in the Drew Crew who appears.
He helps Nancy realize that she isn't broken and gives her the encouragement she needs to face the Wraith once and for all. Their almost-kiss is "powerful," as Nancy later describes it, and it's what causes her to come to terms with her feelings for Ace.
Ace Knows Nancy Better Than Anyone
Figuring Nancy out is a challenge, but Ace makes it look simple. Several of the characters judge her actions and are quick to express their disapproval. Rather than jumping to conclusions, Ace pays attention to why Nancy makes certain choices and learns how she operates.
He understands that Nancy doesn't do anything without reason, and discovers that those reasons are always made up of good intentions. While everyone else is oblivious to the Wraith's hold on her, Nancy's behavior makes Ace suspicious early on.