I see this in fanfic alot, and usually wonder about it. Isn't the fireman carry supposed to be more practical for carrying someone close to or greater than your own weight?

Funny story- I actually have tried to carry some one that way. Back when I was young, and still lifting weights. Picture 160lb female carrying 170 lb male friend. I made it about 5 steps and then my knees went and we both went down.

Anyway, this, I assume, is one of the practical reasons hollywood insists on thin-bordering-on -anorexic leading ladies. And I'm impressed almost everytime some poor leading man has to heft even these relative light weights, since I know they have to do it multiple times to get the take during filming. I guess it supposed to demonstrate what big strong men they are, and as a female I'm supposed to admire/desire/value this trait. And then that romantic image gets pulled into fanfic.