Solve the clues. Each refers to a famous duo. In clue order, these are:

• THELMA & LOUISE
• ANTONY & CLEOPATRA
• PINKY & THE BRAIN
• BLONDIE & DAGWOOD
• ROGER & JESSICA
• FERDINAND & ISABELLA
• ABBOTT & COSTELLO
• HANSEL & GRETEL
• TRISTAN & ISOLDE
• ROMULUS & REMUS
• FRANKIE & JOHNNY
• TOM & JERRY
• ROMEO & JULIET
• CURRIER & IVES
• SAMSON & DELILAH
• HOMER & MARGE
• GILBERT & SULLIVAN
• BONNIE & CLYDE
• FRED & WILMA
• HALL & OATES
• BATMAN & ROBIN
• PUNCH & JUDY

Each name is to be entered separately into the somewhat unconventional looking, disconnected criss-cross grid. Despite its disconnection, the solution is unique except for REMUS and ROMEO, whose spots are interchangeable, both crossed at the R and M only.

Now keep in mind the title, Missed Connections. None of the people in the grid intersects their partner, but some of them almost do. ISABELLA is as close to FERDINAND as she could be without touching him, and COSTELLO is looking ABBOTT right in the eye... no, actually in the first B.

In fact, one person in each couple could move within their row or column to meet the other, but are prevented from doing so because of a mismatched letter in the partner's name. Take those letters in the original clue order to spell TYPE OF BALLOT OR LANDLORD which clues the answer, ABSENTEE.