Top 10 Whoniverse Couples
Mark McCullough counts down his picks for the ten top couples in the Whoniverse.
It’s the 14th of February which can only mean one thing: ‘Love is in the air’. Therefore it might be advisable to warn the Cybermen who must be feeling particularly vulnerable. Some of us may be spending time with our significant others. For those of us who aren’t, this is my valentine’s gift to you (Don’t read too much into it). It is an article looking at the top 10 Whoniverse Couples. Before I start however I feel I need to address the inevitable elephant in the room. Yes, the Tenth Doctor and Rose do not feature on the list, but such is the quality of the relationships on show that it was a decision I felt compelled to make.
10. Ten and Madame de Pompadour
Despite any sentiments I have echoed in the past, The Girl in the Fireplace is a tremendous episode which is worthy of all the praise it gets. The bulk of the narrative focused on the relationship between the Tenth Doctor and Madame de Pompadour, however in typical Moffat fashion there was a timey-wimey twist. Whilst the Doctor could effortlessly move between sections of Reinette’s life, she was left to take the slow path and wait on the man she loved. Tragically by the time the Doctor was ready for her, it was too late and she was already dead leaving only a note for the man who stole her heart. The relationship between the two was fascinating to watch as they were presented as intellectual equals. Perhaps it may have been nice to see more of the two together, however in a 45-minute time slot, I am more than delighted with what we got.
9. Clyde and Rani
I have decided to include spin-off series in the list, because there are a few relationship which certainly deserve recognition. One of these is Clyde and Rani from The Sarah Jane Adventures. In Luke’s absence as he had left for university the two remaining members of the gang grew closer and it was obvious where things seemed to be heading. Unfortunately due to the tragic passing of Elizabeth Sladen we were robbed of the chance to see this relationship blossom into its full potential. However it was very much the correct decision to end the show in the way that they did.
8. Jenny and Vastra
The two female members of the Paternoster gang share a particularly interesting relationship. First encountered in A Good Man Goes to War the relationship is not examined in much detail. Their next appearance in The Snowmen presents an interesting dynamic to the relationship, where it would appear that Jenny is subservient to Vastra. If this was a genuine worry it was quickly put to bed in The Crimson Horror which showcased Jenny is a much stronger light. Their next appearance in The Name of the Doctor alluded to the past and the circumstances in which they met although not much detail was given. Finally after lots of build-up, the characters shared their first kiss in Deep Breath. Hopefully in future appearance we can see their relationship expanded even more
7. River and the Doctor
The Doctor and his wife is a relationship which you would probably need a degree in Doctor Who-ology to understand fully. He met her for the first time in the library as his Tenth incarnation, tragically his first meeting was her supposed last (depending if you count the non-physical encounter in The Name of the Doctor). It’s a relationship filled with highs and lows: She’s served prison time for killing him, and he has married her to make her help him safe the universe. Oh and if that isn’t enough for you, she is also the daughter of his best friends, the Ponds. If you’re looking for an example of ‘it’s complicated’, then look no further.
6. Danny and Clara
The wonderful Danny Pink was introduced in Into the Dalek, the second episode of Series Eight. As the series progressed he developed a relationship with Clara. In Listen it took them several attempts and a time machine in order to get their first date right. Conflict seemed to be a recurrent theme of their relationship, probably attribute to a clash between Danny’s protective nature and Clara’s mind-set as a control freak. Despite this their relationship seemed quite strong up until the point of Danny’s tragic death. The impact of this on Clara was a true testament to the strength of the relationship. There is a Taylor Swift song which goes, ‘We are never ever getting back together’, and ultimately this turned out to be the case as Danny chose to sacrifice his future with Clara to rectify his greatest mistake. Thankfully Last Christmas afforded the relationship the closure it needed.
5. Jack and Ianto
Onto Torchwood and a relationship featuring the overly flirtatious Captain Jack Harkness. The fact he actually managed to commit to one person is still a shock to this day. Perhaps it was because that man was the wonderful Ianto Jones. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this partnership was its development, particularly from Ianto’s side. When we first saw Ianto he had a girlfriend and played a very small role within the Torchwood team. After the loss of his girlfriend he grew ever closer to Jack and simultaneously came into his own a lot more taking on a much larger role. Likewise he also brought out the best in Jack. The relationship just seemed to work so well for both characters, so of course there was only one way it could end. Tragedy! (When the feeling’s gone). Poor Ianto feel victim of the 456 dying in the arms of his lover. To this day the writers have not been forgiven
4. Owen and Tosh
Torchwood does love to tug at our heartstrings. If the above is not enough to make you weep like a baby, then look no further than the Series 2 Finale. Tosh and Owen exhibited another strange relationship throughout the duration of the first two series of the show. Owen was presented as a rather sleazy individual who would get involved with anyone. Tosh on the other hand was written as a lonelier character whose love life was rarely touched on. However as the series progressed it became evident that the two were perfect for each other ultimately developing into a ‘will they, won’t they’ situation. Like almost every relationship on the list so far, it all ends in tears. As they both face imminent death, they use their last words to tell each other how they really feel. Cue heartbroken viewers.
3. Pete and Jackie Tyler
As we enter the top three, I have opted for a couple which may surprise a lot of you. Whilst much of Peter and Jackie’s relationship is examined retrospectively or through the other’s actions, it is arguably Doctor Who’s best example of unrequited love. Yes, Jackie admits that Pete drives her up the wall with all his crazy schemes, and will be the first to point out any of his flaws. But, she still loves him totally for who he is. Perhaps the best evidence for the strength of their relationship was the fact that there was never anyone else. Jackie stayed as a single mum and raised Rose on her own, whilst parallel Pete did not remarry either. Thankfully both got the ending that they deserved when circumstances offered them a second chance, yet both were initially reluctant to take it. There’s no denying that they are perfect for each other and there is no better moment to see this than in that heart-warming scene in Doomsday.
2. Amy and Rory Williams
It seems strange to call them by their proper name, I’m so used to just using the Ponds. But that in itself shows just how good a relationship the two shared, they were so close that the fandom actually groups them as one entity. It was certainly a pleasure to witness the exciting new dynamic that this brought to the TARDIS with the Doctor essentially assuming a third wheel persona. Another point of note is that despite the obvious affection towards the Doctor from Amy, Rory was mostly comfortable with them all spending time together. Of course he had a few occasional lapses, but we all know he’s a stupid face. It was nice to see the Ponds get a bittersweet ending rather than a purely tragic one. I like to think that Amy and Rory lived a happy life in New York and were able to adopt a child. After all that is only what they deserve.
1. The Doctor and the TARDIS
Companions come and go, even the Doctor changes his face, but there is one constant within the show: the TARDIS. The Doctor’s companion through thick and thin, always talking him where he needs to go, his ‘sexy’. Perhaps it was an extremely bold decision by the wonderful Neil Gaiman to personify the TARDIS, it was certainly a risk. But wow did it pay off. Of all the special women in the Doctor’s life it makes sense that the TARDIS would be the most important to him. Whilst they can never truly have a proper relationship, they will always share a special bond. One which provides the very corner stone on which the show is built.
