For me, it really does depend on the show. Then again, I differentiate shipping canon and shipping fanon.
Example: SG-1. My favorite pairing is Daniel/Janet. Why? I love their chemistry. It's subtle enough not to distract from the show, but the spark is always there. So then, I've read and written D/J fics for years. But even so, I recognize that canon-wise this pairing will never ever happen. And that's fine by me. I don't need canon on-screen RST to enjoy a dynamic between two characters.
Smallville is another good example. I love Clark/Lois. But since this is pre-Superman, my enjoyment of the show is not dependent on Clois happening. Clark/Lana went on forever too long, but for the most part I don't mind either of them exploring other relationships. I actually prefer the UST... the hints and the flashes of the future, despite the both of them fighting against it. Makes it more fun. :)
On the other hand, there's Farscape. I really enjoy John and Aeryn's relationship. Then again, their romance is so intregal to the characters and the story that it's hard to imagine a fan of the show who would dislike John/Aeryn. (There could be, I suppose...)
I think you got it right when you said character and plot first, romance second. I'm more than happy to play with whatever pairing strikes my fancy out in fandom...but as for canon I usually prefer UST and subtle romantic sparks.
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Example: SG-1. My favorite pairing is Daniel/Janet. Why? I love their chemistry. It's subtle enough not to distract from the show, but the spark is always there. So then, I've read and written D/J fics for years. But even so, I recognize that canon-wise this pairing will never ever happen. And that's fine by me. I don't need canon on-screen RST to enjoy a dynamic between two characters.
Smallville is another good example. I love Clark/Lois. But since this is pre-Superman, my enjoyment of the show is not dependent on Clois happening. Clark/Lana went on forever too long, but for the most part I don't mind either of them exploring other relationships. I actually prefer the UST... the hints and the flashes of the future, despite the both of them fighting against it. Makes it more fun. :)
On the other hand, there's Farscape. I really enjoy John and Aeryn's relationship. Then again, their romance is so intregal to the characters and the story that it's hard to imagine a fan of the show who would dislike John/Aeryn. (There could be, I suppose...)
I think you got it right when you said character and plot first, romance second. I'm more than happy to play with whatever pairing strikes my fancy out in fandom...but as for canon I usually prefer UST and subtle romantic sparks.