As I recall, most reaction to Carter's death was exactly like yours: the show shoehorned in a confusing and unearned romantic gesture/declaration between John and Carter. There was a range of feeling along that thought, from "Oh, where'd that come from? What poor (lazy, etc.) writing" to "WTF?? John loves *Harold*, not Cater! She's his *friend*, don't devalue their friendship by slapping a coat of romance on it" to "YOU FUCKERS, STOP FRIDGING WOMEN TO FUEL MANPAIN"

Shaw and Root were my favorites as the show matured. :)