I thought a topic on this particular aspect of this series would be better, to explore more thoughts and opinions about it. I didn't place them as ships or couples, but pairs. Cause this is a more general term.
Now, as I'm sure some people are aware of, mixed couples when it comes to The Chipmunks and Chipettes are highly frowned upon in the fandom. And let's not say it isn't. Other than those who don't mind it or support it, it seems there's a very anti-regime against the idea that any Chipmunk or Chipette should be with anyone else other than their counterpart. The reactions to it are "omg I hate it!" at any rate. It's the rule of colors and The Chipettes being mirrors of The Chipmunks I guess. Or that the show means for it to be that way. I've heard a lot of arguments about how they wouldn't have things in common, or if they would be stuck alone in a room, it would be awkward since they have no mutual interests to keep a conversation going. A lot even exaggerate the flaws of the characters, most of the time Alvin, since he's the one with the most negative traits (manipulation mostly). At times they present Theodore as too dumb or sweet just to justify their point.
Now in the 80s show, there were inetractions with the others. Alvin, being the protagonist, appeared to vibe well with all The Chipettes. I hold unto this strongly. With Jeanette, he was always somehow nicer and more receptive towards her than any of the other girls, and rose up to her defense. I guess she doesn't threaten him or butt heads, so it makes it easier for him to be kinder and less antagonistic. In ALVINNN!!!, this seem to continue. It's a consistent aspect of their relationship (note, not saying romantic relationship before anyone has an ulcer), so by this point I accept it as canon that this is how he behaves when around her. I also like how the rest of the gang want to protect Jeanette and are careful in not hurting her feelings, but Alvin pours out the brutal honesty. You would think it would be a bad thing, yet she actually needs it and it does well for her character because she ends up "waking up" and realizing things. Alvin also keeps the front up until he can't anymore. This happens twice so far in Jeanette Enchanted and She's Got Style.
Eleanor and Theodore are so far very second fiddle to me in this series. As in, for the most part, they're just there. Theodore and Eleanor's inetractions are practically nonexistent! There's no Theonor. Not that Eleanor had much to go by in interactions even way back when, but still. So there's not much to say on this end except that Alvin and Eleanor have sports in common as the 80s show presented. She's also another one who stands up to him and doesn't take any of his ish, but in a less explosive, healthier way than Brittany I feel. And he gains new respect for her as an equal. This is the one I see most working.
The rest were scarce. Out of the mixed couples, Simon and Brittany (along with Theodore and Brittany) were practically the least likely I ever saw working. Not only did the show not have them speak to one another much, it's like having a second Alvin to deal with, except more snobbish and with more of a hardheaded diva persona. Simon isn't the type to deal with that sort of attitude, period, and while he can withstand Alvin, Alvin also happens to be his brother. Who he genuinely loves and cares about a lot. They're best friends despite it all and I feel they are closer to each other than they are with Theo (it might the mentality difference however, Theodore's more of the "baby" while Alvin is more at Simon's age/maturity level...interest wise). Bromance anyone? Brittany's a friend, and while I'm certain he cares about her too, there's certain things you put up with family that you wouldn't with others if you're not that close.
With ALVINNN!!!, that opinion hasn't changed, lol. However, I find it great that some negativity against them have been proven wrong. They can talk to each other, they can carry on a conversation, and now they have school responsiblities in common. At the most, Brittany's just when it comes to school rules and genuine outlook for the school's best interest since she's the principal's lackey. Enough to be on Simon's side in the presidential election. It's a good step to work with.
And that's what it comes down to. A lot of the arguments against the mixed pairs have been thrown out the window, and the fics showing how they wouldn't work or the reasons as to why they're wrong for each other have become anti fodder with barely any basis. And ALVINNN!!! seems to expand on this more than the 80s cartoon did. Where does that place the shipping now?
It almost makes me wonder if the Bagdasarian crew did this on purpose, or they wanted to build more bonds with the cast instead of sticking them only with their male or female versions.