Romana - I & II - Old Doctor Who

Companion reign – 1978 – 80

“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 to give her full title), who was something of a hark back to the First Doctor’s companion; Susan.

Romana – was a ‘Time Lord'(of 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. Not taking to the Doctor’s eccentric nature – initially, Romana could be described as – cold or stand-offish, with the Time Lord.

Romana also 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’s company – a little more. Once they had collected and reassembed, the various segments of the Key-To-Time; Romana then regenerated. (This was due to actress Mary Tamm leaving the show and being replaced by Lalla Ward.

The new Romana – or ‘Romana II’; seemed to have the ability to regenerate into whatever form wished. Appearing to the Doctor in several differing forms, before finally 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 enjoyed probably the closest relationship with a 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 they met Adric (who had stowed away aboard the Tardis). Romana viewed Adric as something of a savage, requiring 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; when the Doctor was able to find a path back to N-Space (this reality).

As a parting gift, the Doctor gave Romana the damaged K9 MK-II, as company – as a companion.

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 been left in E-Space. The Doctor’s reply was – that Romana had chosen this.

Romana briefly appeared again, in The Five Doctors – 1983 but this was reprised footage, taken from Shada – 1979; which was never completed or broadcast.