will-they-won't-they

I was fearing mawkishness, but this tells the life-affirming story of Em and Dex's relationship each 15 July, from fresh-faced graduates in the 80s through to middle age in the noughties, with the inevitable will-they-won't-they get it together . . .

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But Bones creator Hart Hanson — who faces that challenge as the show's seventh season premieres with Dr. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel) pregnant with the child of her former will-they-won't-they partner Seeley Booth (David Boreanaz) — has found the opposite to be true.

Bones Season 7: Can a Baby Break the Moonlighting Curse? 2011

Assuming the ABC crime drama won't be killing off its leading lady, will the show's fourth season bring will-they-won't-they couple together for more than just a passionate kiss?

Exclusive Castle Preview: Will Season 4 (Finally) Bring Castle and Beckett Together? 2011

Indeed, creator Andrew W. Marlowe says that on a show that so heavily relies on its leads' will-they-won't-they sexual tension, it's helpful to have a couple that will.

Castle: Will Ryan's Wedding Inspire a Castle-Beckett Coupling? 2012

Except that, after six seasons, your will-they-won't-they leads are together.

Bones Season 7 Scoop: Booth and Brennan's Family Matters and a New Villain, Squintern 2011

It's a Castle moment nearly three seasons in the making: On Monday's episode, Castle and Beckett's will-they-won't-they relationship goes to a new level when the duo finally kisses.

5 Reasons We're Excited About Castle's Big Kiss 2011

Not that there's anything wrong with that: In the grand tradition of will-they-won't-they couples like Ross and Rachel and Sam and Diane, Feuerstein says he's fine with keeping the two apart for now.

Royal Pains' Feuerstein: Hank and Evan Go to a "Dark Place" and 5 More Things From Season 3 2011

Most people will be more concerned by the main event – the ongoing will-they-won't-they? relationship between Lady Mary and Matthew.

TV review: Downton Abbey; Doctor Who; Absolutely Fabulous 2011

Coincidentally, Webster is currently presenting himself as an obstacle for another pair of will-they-won't-they procedural partners: Castle and Beckett on ABC's Castle.

NCIS: Los Angeles Exclusive: Will Victor Webster Come Between Kensi and Deeks? 2011

How will the show change without the will-they-won't-they romantic tension that's driven the story for so long?

Bones Season 7 Scoop: Booth and Brennan's Family Matters and a New Villain, Squintern 2011