"Bromance" refers to a type of buddy-buddy relationship between men that exists in older literature. It goes beyond friendship, having a chivalrous and romantic tone. Such friends are often easily "shipped" (think of Spock and Kirk). In some cases, as with
Supernatural, the "bromance" elements override the character's fraternal relationship (which naturally confuses the characters).
I quite like bromances, of all types, from war buddies rescuing each other to not-brothers-brothers being all-in-all to each other (and then there's Castiel!). I like bromances with romance...
And I like bromances without romance.
Ryan and Esposito from
Castle strike me as one of the best male friendships without a romantic element out there. I'm sure someone somewhere has "shipped" them. But I find their platontic partnership and easy camaraderie entirely believable. Unlike some (not all) television bromances, I don't feel like the wife/girlfriend is thrown in to remind us "uh, no, really, they are heterosexual." Ryan with Jennie (played by his real-life wife) and Esposito with various girlfriends, including Lanie, continue to be good friends. Their lives and personalities expand without them dropping that best friend from work.
Good writing and acting!
