The Mindy Project: In Defense of Mindy and Danny's Breakup

"Sorry about that." 

Mindy Project writer and star Ike Barinholtz says up front, apologizing for his part in Mindy (Mindy Kaling) and Danny's (Chris Messina) shocking breakup last week.

"We got some little abuse on twitter, a little friendly abuse. But you know when that happens I kind of love that," Barinholtz tells TVGuide.com. "It just means that people are not only watching the show but are passionate about the show. And they really get invested in it enough to tweet, 'You bastard, how could you do this?!'"

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While Danny broke Mindy's heart (and ours) last Tuesday, it's not because the couple isn't meant to be. To give Mindy her rom-com ending so soon and so painlessly would have just been too easy and ultimately, not realistic. "I know guys and I know girls, and they get with someone and right away for whatever reason they're scared," Barinholtz says. "I think that's a very real emotion, and to have Danny be afraid of this — he wanted this and now all of the sudden he has it and can he handle it — I think that's just kind of how life works. That's what we wanted to explore."

Things won't be easy for the exes, who now have to work together bearing the full (and incredibly awkward) weight of Danny's decision. And try as they might, it won't be easy as Danny expected to simply press reset on the friendship. "I think Danny [will] want to get back to the way it was, but I think it [will] never be the way it was," Messina admits. "I think they can eventually get there, but it might take a little bumps and grinds."

Their relationship only becomes more complicated when the pair begins to explore new love interests. As Mindy tries to convince herself she's over Danny, she'll consider having a one-night stand with guest-star Max Greenfield on Tuesday's episode (9:30/8:30c, Fox) before taking a serious interest in a grizzled, older New York detective (Tim Daly) later this season. Danny, on the other hand, hasn't seen the last of the sext-happy Sally Prentiss (Joanna Garcia Swisher).

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But don't worry 'shippers! Rom-coms are always about the big romantic gesture, so don't loose faith in Danny and Mindy just yet. "In the finale, you will see these two should be together," Barinholtz says. "I can't say what happens but it becomes clear to Mindy, to Danny, to the office, [and] to the audience, that maybe these two people should be together."

And when Mindy and Danny do get back together — whenever that is — Barinholtz promises it'll stick. Though the writers don't have a detailed plan for Season 3, Barinholtz hints, "If they are together next season, you will see that sustained longer."

Do you want Mindy and Danny to get back together this season?

The Mindy Project airs Tuesdays at 9:30/8:30c on Fox.