Who does a hero turn to for support? How does a tough as nails cop lighten up a little? Who do fan fiction writers pair up with their main characters to create some truly disturbing story lines? The answer to all these questions is sidekicks.

Monday, March 31 How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8:30 p.m.) - Forget basketball. March Madness is all about figuring out, bracket-style, which jilted woman has it out for Barney.

Reality is not always a factor when it comes to TV relationships. Actually, it usually isn't. Often, two characters that would never come together in real life are forced into a relationship for any number of reasons.