Doctor Who' Stars Explain Why Romance Isn't 'Necessary' In The New Series

So, in case you aren't aware of it by now, I'm a big (okay, huge) fan of "Doctor Who," the BBC series that's one of the longest-running science-fiction programs in television history. This time around, the new "Doctor Who" duo discusses the hot-button issue of romance between The Doctor and his companion. As Is mention in the interview, "Doctor Who" lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat has indicated that such romance isn't a recent development in the series, but for the series' stars, it's not a "necessary" development, either.



"I don't think it's completely necessary," said Smith. "I don't think it's a prerequisite of the show."

"If anything, it feels a little tired, that story," the new Doctor added.

"I think so," agreed Gillan.

While the pair's characters have certainly had their moments (including Amy Pond watching The Doctor go through a few wardrobe changes in the season premiere before settling on his new look), there's no telling where Moffat plans to take the time- and space-traveling duo as the season goes on. But if you ask them, it's all about the adventures their characters have together, not the way they feel about each other.

"I don't think that's what it's about," said Smith. "It's about adventure together."

"It's about mates — best friends," said Gillan.

"...Traveling the universe!" added Smith.

And with a full season under their belts and critical praise for the two episodes (or four, if you're in the U.K.) that have already aired, Smith and Gillan could be in store for many more adventures together. But the pair says they're perfectly happy not having their characters become anything more than very, very good friends.

"I think it risks getting a little portentous sometimes when it becomes about romance," said Smith. "If you're 8 [years old], I don't think you want to tune in and see that. You want to see them having mad adventures."

"And I think that's what the new series really touches on — it's about mad adventure," he said.

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• gillan

[Fizzypop81996]

The thing is, it is a bit tired. Mainly because they did with pretty much all the other pairs, and so now they're trying something different. The thing that annoys me is that these tow are probably the doctor and companion most suited to eachother romantically, but we're not gonna get that.

[MyLilly78]

Don't get me wrong I loved the romance between the Doctor and Rose. But one of the Doctor's best companions was Donna and that's because they were just best mates.

[pbjellybeanful]

I agree with the romance on the show, but in real life, they're really flirty.

[Fizzypop81996]

@Wheelsgr I'm not going to lie. I really do love Rory and I find Amy and Rory adorable and fantastic, and I see why she loves him, but still. Matt and Karen have fantastic chemistry and we're really missing out on something here. But Amy/Rory/Doctor are my ot3 so everything works out for me.

[Wheelsgr]

@Fizzypop81996 I totally agree, and furthermore, Rory doesn't do very much that is convincing or redeeming to make me think, oh yeah, they are in love, aside from just being there for a loooooong time and hanging about waiting. I don't see anything worthwhile in his character or so bad in the doctor's character that would make Amy choose Rory over the Doctor.

[ion010101]

This feels like watching, "This is Spinal Tap". 

[rohgenextfan]

@StrangeAngel03 Here! Here!

[rohgenextfan]

@NinjaPotato01 You do know during the entire romance triangle, Amy was The Doctor's mother-in-law right? You know The Doctor wanted to shag Amy? That The Doctor ended up marrying the daughter of someone He wanted to bang? I haven't forgotten that it's gross. Most other people have.

[Lillythepinkxxx]

@sandstorm1416 :D

[sandstorm1416]

@Lillythepinkxxx i know right.

[Lillythepinkxxx]

@sandstorm1416 Yup, Karen and Matt are made for each other!  :D

[thedoctorlovescats]

@NinjaPotato01 true, but before we knew that there WAS some romance between them. And I think this was filmed before the wedding of river song came out.