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 – 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.

Old Doctor Who

Appearances :

Season Sixteen – 1978-79

Key To Time :
The Ribos Operation (joins)🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
The Pirate Planet⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Stones of Blood🔵🔵🔵🔵⚪
The Androids of Tara🔵🔵⚪⚪⚪
The Power of Kroll🔵🔵⚪⚪⚪
The Armageddon Factor🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪

Season Seventeen – 1979-80

Destiny of the Daleks(Romana regenerates into Romana II)🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
City of Death⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Creature from the Pit🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
Nightmare of Eden🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
The Horns of Nimon🔵🔵⚪️⚪⚪
Shada🔵🔵🔵⚪

Season Eighteen – 1980-81

The Leisure Hive🔵⚪⚪⚪⚪
Meglos🔵🔵🔵🔵⚪

The E-Space Trilogy :
Full Circle🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
State of Decay🔵🔵🔵⚪⚪
Warriors’ Gate(leaves)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Season Twenty – 1983

Five Doctor’s – 20th Anniversary Special (Archive footage from Shada)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐