Despite common misperception, Doctor Who isn’t all about the companion falling in love with the Doctor. That being said, there is plenty of romance to go around.
Is the idea romance on Doctor Who a new thing dreamt up by the minds of the reboot era showrunners, Russell T. Davies and Steven Moffatt? Was romance around in the classic Doctor Who era? Viewers who are new to the show may be surprised at some of the answers. Let’s take a look back, in no particular order, at some of the best couples in the Doctor Who universe.
1. Amy Pond and Rory Williams
Even though at times they seem to have polar opposite personalities, Amy and Rory complete each other. They bring out the best in each other. Amy helps Rory to build up his self-confidence. Rory never believes Amy to be a scatter-brained lost cause; he is unfailingly loyal. Each is able to stand on their own two feet, but together they make a formidable team. Despite having aliens invade their honeymoon, the loss of their daughter, rebooting the universe…again, they always find and wait for each other, and given the choice – will always choose each other.
2. Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright
For those who thought there was no romance on the classic Tardis, think again. The Doctor’s very first human companions Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright were colleagues together at the Coal Hill School where they taught the Doctor’s granddaughter, Susan. At first they were nothing more than good friends, and in a sense second guardians to Susan. Over time however, they fell in love by spending so much time together aboard the Tardis. Unlike many of the TV couples of the 1960s, they had a relationship built around adventures together where they each played an equal and valuable role.
3. Leela and Andred
Leela was arguably the companion from classic Doctor Who who could best take care of herself. She was a warrior who was fiercely loyal, independent, and frankly a bit rough around the edges. Although some might have considered her savage, she learned much from the Doctor and eventually caught the eye of Andred and wished to stay with him on Gallifrey. Not every human and Time Lord would make a good pairing, but the two of them just seemed to work.
4. Vastra and Jenny
One of the best things about reboot era Doctor Who is how inclusive it is in regards to non-traditional couples. Vastra and Jenny have a deep bond. Despite having been shunned by their families for their lifestyle choices, they stay true to themselves, and they follow their hearts. Although Vastra is something of a teacher and mentor to Jenny, she never talks down to her. They both respect each other, and work as a team transcending the conventions of Victorian England.
5. Ten and Rose
Perhaps an unlikely pair at the start, the Time Lord embittered by genocide and war, and the shop girl from a council estate, the two eventually rescue each other. Rose finally believes that there is a better life for her, and that she has talents enabling her to make a difference in the world. The Doctor, rediscovers his heart, and relearns mercy and love. Unfortunately, they are torn apart and thrust into parallel universes for several years, but in the end they reunite and find their happily ever after.
6. Jack Harkness and Ianto Jones
For the man who is ever young and can never die, romance for Jack can seem to be a reboot every 20 years or so. He leaves his loves before the anti-aging is noticeable. You do wonder though, if Ianto might have been the one who Jack would have stayed with through old age had Ianto not died. Ianto just “got” Jack. He wasn’t overly impressed by him, and managed to capture his heart with a touch of class, witty banter, and loving sincerity. The whole fandom shed a tear when these two were parted.