10 Not-Yet-To-Be Couples on TV Dramas: Couples We Want To Get Together

"Shipping" is the fans' desire (sometimes desperate) for fictional characters to form a relationship. Thanks to that passion, series writers can easily tease and string along fans, keeping them tuned in for every new development. The term has been used since the days of Mulder & Scully (X-Files), where fans kept hoping that amid the alien invasion they would somehow get together.

Here are in my opinion some of the best contemporary "shipping" couples on a cop / procedural drama television show:

10. Nathan Ford & "Sophie" Devereaux (Leverage)

9. Alec Hardison & Parker (Leverage)

The relative rookie show about criminals who make good already sports two intriguing relationships-to-be. Nathan (Timothy Hutton) and Sophie (Gina Bellman) have a deep rooted history with each other-part cat-and-mouse game, part AA co-dependent. Another stumbling block is that Nathan doesn't even know Sophie's real name! Meanwhile, the fun coupling that took fans by surprise was Alec & Parker, the geeky but handsome hacker and the unpredictable girl-next-door who happens to be a kleptomaniac.

8. Detective Robert Goren & Detective Alexandra Eames (Law & Order: CI): Their partnership at Major Case Squad is based on intellect and respect. They have helped each other during times of personal crisis (the passing of Goren's mother, the investigation into the murder of Eames' husband). Unfortunately, both spent the last season recovering from Goren breaking their trust (not telling her about an undercover op that put each in the other's crosshairs).

7. Shawn Spencer & Det. Juliet O'Hara (Psych): The snarky fake psychic pined for the buxom blond detective for several seasons. Just as O'Hara realized that Spence was a nice snarky guy, he reunites with high school sweetheart Abigail (Rachel Leigh Cook).

6. Det. Mac Taylor & Det. Stella Bonasera (CSI: NY): There's definitely something there (it's all in the eye contact). However, Mac's relationship with Dr. Driscoll (Claire Forlani) blocked this pairing. At least there's always fan favorite coupling Messer and Monroe to cheer.

5. Michael Westen & Fiona Glenanne (Burn Notice): Two hot bodies in hot Miami working hot espionage. She clearly wants them to be more-but Westen's dogged determination to investigate the Burn Notice gets in the way. Also, Michael steps on his own toes, often saying the wrong thing about the status of their relationship, upsetting Fiona in the process. You should never do that to a girl who knows how to use C-4.

4. Adrienne Monk & Natalie Teeger (Monk): You could tell from Natalie's first appearance that they'd make a cute pair. They both have lost a spouse and let's face it-Natalie is the only one who can keep Monk's obsessive compulsive behavior even somewhat in check. They were neatly made for each other.

3. Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brenner & Det. Seeley Booth (Bones): Both have grown into their odd partnership, but again we have a situation where they aren't ready to recognize and make that next step. Bones' traumatic childhood and Booth's desire to be a good father from a divorce also limits them.

2. Det. Elliot Stabler & Det. Olivia Benson (Law & Order: SVU): Fans of this series know the ups and downs of these characters investigating intense and traumatic cases. Stabler has done his best to keep his marriage intact, but if not for that these two would have found solace with each other a long time ago.

1. Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo & Mossad Officer Ziva David (NCIS): One of the "Most Wanted" ships in TV-Land, even earning a fancy celebrity-couple shortened name ("Tiva"). There was sexual tension from their very first meeting, and over the years they have both demonstrated the lengths of their concern for each other. Icebergs have changed their dynamic irrevocably--Tony's girlfriend in season four (revealed as an undercover assignment, though his feelings were real) and Ziva's Mossad boyfriend who Tony was forced to kill at the conclusion of season six. Unfortunately, Ziva and Tony's ships may have crossed and sailed past for good.