Doctor Who Setting Up the Doctor for Heartbreak
By David Hill
Remember back when the Tenth Doctor lost Rose? He then spent much of the next two seasons moping about the TARDIS, ignoring Martha and then getting put in his place by Donna. It was a very interesting, and somewhat awkward, time on Doctor Who. Well, one has to wonder if we are about to go down that road once again, only with the Twelfth Doctor instead.
One of the recurring themes of this season on Doctor Who has been the ongoing dialogue with the Doctor and Clara saying how the other one cannot die or leave them behind. It is certainly nice to see that they have put aside the differences from Series Eight, and are becoming a truly dynamic team. This is, quite honestly, how these two should have been handled from the start.
However, this dynamic duo is set to be split apart. We know that Jenna Coleman will not be coming back for Series Ten, as Clara is slated to die at some point. Given the attachment that has developed between the two, the reaction the Doctor could have to losing someone that has become as important to him as Clara has become will be an interesting development.
As unlikely as it is that this incarnation of the Doctor will begin moping about the TARDIS, there is the possibility that her death could affect him in a truly profound manner. As this season does appear to be about the Doctor dealing with the consequences of his actions, what happens if he, either directly or indirectly, gets Clara killed? How would the Doctor react?
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While the Doctor may end up reverting back to a more passive, observational role, that does not seem to be the likely outcome with the Twelfth Doctor. Instead, it seems entirely possible that he will attempt to tear apart the universe looking for a way to bring Clara back, keeping the promise that he made to himself that he will attempt to save everyone. For Clara, who has become his best friend, his desire to keep that promise could become an obsession that would lead to catastrophe.
Maybe the Doctor does not love Clara the same way that he loved Rose, but there is still quite the connection between them. They have become almost inseparable, and can barely stand to be apart from one another. She has truly become the Doctor’s right hand, someone that he can trust with his life. For this incarnation of the Doctor, that is not something to take lightly.
While Clara does die, the Doctor is not likely to take it well. His reaction could be quite the pivotal moment in the direction of Doctor Who going forward.