Meghan Lewit

The wedded duos in House of Cards and The Americans are literally partners in crime—and have relationships that are more satisfying to watch than those on other TV dramas.

Mars has always seemed like an underdog, while Braff has always seemed like a smug success. But isn't a rich person asking for money a rich person asking for money?

The PBS drama's portrayal of matrimony didn't need to be this excruciating.