“I’m a traveler, I’m a Time Lord…. and I am not used to being assaulted by a collection of hairy, grubby little men!”
Original Female Doctor?
Following the warrior-maiden Leela, the producers decided to go for a more cerebral companion – for the Doctor.
Enter Romana (or Romanadvoratrelundar – full title), who was something of a hark back to the First Doctor’s companion; Susan.
Romana – was a ‘Time Lord’or ‘Time Lady of Gallifrey; Romana could pilot the Tardis, regenerate – and could even be considered, more academically learned than the Doctor.
Initially, Romana was “assigned” to the Doctor – as a companion by the White Guardian, in the ‘Key-To-Time’ season – in 1978.
Romana viewed the Key-To-Time mission, simply as a task to be completed. Initially, Romana did not take to the Doctor’s eccentric nature. Romana could be described as cold or stand-offish, with the Doctor.
Romana viewed the Doctor, as intellectually inferior. Having held a better Gallifreyian Academic record. This was something of a new relationship dynamic for the Doctor; who, for once – was not the intellectual centre of the show.
After having traveled with the Doctor for a while, Romana warmed to the Doctor – a little more. Once they had both collected and reassembed, the various segments of the Key-To-Time; Romana then regenerated. (This was forced by actress Mary Tamm leaving the show unexpectedly and replaced by Lalla Ward.
The new Romana – or ‘Romana II’; seemed to have the ability, whilst regenerating – to pick whatever form wished. Appearing to the Doctor in several differing forms, before (weirdly) settling on the likeness of Princess Astra (a character from the previous Key-To-Time season episode; The Armageddon Factor).
Romana II
Romana II – was a less haughty character than her previous incarnation. More thoughtful, softer in nature and open. Enjoying, probably the closest relationship with the Doctor – to date (probably helped by Ward’s then real-life romance with fellow actor; Tom Baker). Romana (bizarrely) liked to dress as a school-girl and carried a seperate version of the sonic screwdriver.
When the Tardis fell into ‘E-Space’ (an alternate universe) and the duo met Adric (who had stowed away aboard the Tardis). Romana viewed Adric as something of a savage, requiring training and lessons in etiquette. Always prompting Adric and correcting his more outlandish ways.
Romana eventually decided to remain in E-Space, to carve out a new existence. Deciding that this was preferable to returning to Gallifrey. When the Doctor was able to find a path back to ‘N-Space’.
As a parting gift, the Doctor gave Romana the damaged K9 MK-II unit, to keep- as company.
Romana was (briefly) mentioned again, in Arc Of Infinity – 1983. When the Fifth Doctor, was being questioned – by the Time Lord High Council. As to why, Romana had remained in E-Space. The Doctor’s reply was that Romana had chosen this of her own free will.
Romana briefly appeared again, in The Five Doctors – 1983. However, this was reprised footage, taken from Shada – 1979; which was never completed or broadcast.
