A New English Rose

[green_amber]

palatinate notes insightfully that writing in the new companion post-Rose is going to be a tough balancing act. Rose, unlike previous traveling companions, has basically had the status of True Love, not "assistant". If the new companion also takes on this "special relationship", the Doctor will look like even more of serial shagger than he did after Sarah Jane/Mme de Pompadoour (Mickey: "he's a bit of a goer your Doctor isn't he? Sarah Jane -- Mme de Pompadour.. Cleopatra..") But if she doesn't (admittedly maybe after a decorous few eps beathing space) the series will feel lacking in emotional content compared to the first two years. How to square this circle?

Well one way would have been to have a male companion. The Doctor does not seem to be very bi. But the Beeb have scotched that one. I think frankly in this wonderful modern world (a) we need a bit of attractive nookie for the het lads audience (b) RTD likes assertive Buffy types (and so do I) (c)a male companion would just have lead to EVEN MORE slash in the canon and I think Auntie Beeb might have had a nervous breakdown.

What I think we need is more ensemble. When we had Rose and Mickie, or Jack and Rose (yes!), the one to one sexual tension eased. A gang of four with lots of cross emotional torrents would be even better. Trouble is (a) that looks like exactly what Torchwood is going to do and b) allegedly RTD doesn't like ensemble playing (tho what was QAF if not that?)

Any thoughts? I do think it's a big problem (thought: if Rose does die will the Doctor swear never to get emotionally involved with a companion again? Now that would be Just Silly. the Doctor as Goth. Ooh, the Doctor as Morrissey!)