Danny & Lindsay (CSI: NY)

So many plots, from Doctor Who to Homeland, Sherlock and Lost to Fringe, would be much improved by ditching the love interests altogether

When the Doctor shared a kiss with his newest companion this Christmas, my response was not "Aahh" but the distinctly unimpressed "Oh". My disappointment was nothing to do with Jenna-Louise Coleman's performance as young governess Clara Oswin Oswald but because I am fast growing tired of the notion that every show needs a sprinkling of romance to make our hearts beat faster. Some of them, I can't help thinking, would be much improved by ditching the love interests...