10 Tragically Romantic Doctor Who Episodes

This two-parter was based on the Virgin book of the same name, and sees the Doctor turn himself human to hide from a family of aliens intent on using him to help extend their lifespans.

This romance is one of the best on show. There is enough time for it to develop and allow the audience to become invested, without it feeling rushed or slow; even with everything else going on in the plot. Meanwhile, the Doctor as John is able to express his love and affectation far more openly than he does as a Timelord. In fact, you could say the relationship is more human in nature, excuse the pun, compared to the Doctor’s other couplings.

This makes sense, since after all, John Smith is not really the Doctor. He is an alternate human version of the Timelord – which, is of course where the great tragedy lies. The Doctor has to return to stop the monsters, but that in effect means John Smith must be wiped away. This creates a truly difficult moral dilemma, and it is painful to see John and Joan sacrifice their love, and John’s life, for the Doctor.