Regarding switching genres in midstream -- synecdochic had a really interesting meta a couple of years ago talking about the "implied contract" between author and reader (or viewer), where the first few chapters of the book or episodes of the series sets up the general premise, style and tone, and major deviations from that are a violation of trust. She was talking about it specifically in reference to SGA's second and third seasons, which deviated from the premise and tone established in the first season to the point where she and a lot of other disgruntled fans stopped watching the show.

I am a little torn on this, because I can totally see what she (and you) are saying and think the point is very valid, but I also think that a long-running series has to change and try new things, or else risk repeating the same plots over and over (which is actually the problem I'm having with NCIS; I like the show, but I feel like there's not really anything new). Unfortunately, the more that it changes, the more the risk of doing away with what originally drew a viewer to the show in the first place.

And I do agree with you that romance on TV is not really my bag -- though this extends to my reading as well. I can enjoy it, but generally I prefer not to have it in front of me.

In fact, it's quite possible that one of the reasons why I've been feeling drawn to writing romance lately is because I want to write romance that personally appeals to me, which little of it does.