Doctor Who Love Chronicles Unveiled: The Untold Story Behind Thirteen & Yaz's Unrequited Connection

Summary

Chris Chibnall, the former showrunner of Doctor Who, revealed the reasoning behind the absence of a romantic relationship between the Doctor and Yaz, emphasizing the deliberate choice to portray their feelings as unrequited. This decision was made in order to enhance the emotional impact of their story.

Chibnall acknowledges that he might have chosen differently upon reflection, but believed that omitting a kiss intensified the poignancy of their relationship. The absence of LGBTQ+ representation in the Doctor and Yaz's romance in Doctor Who disappointed certain viewers; however, the introduction of the Fifteenth Doctor offers potential for increased LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the show.

Former Doctor Who showrunner, Chris Chibnall, has revealed the reason behind the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodi Whittaker) and Yaz's (Mandip Gill) lack of a romantic kiss, despite their mutual feelings. Chibnall, who oversaw the show for five years and guided Whittaker's portrayal of the Doctor, explained that while there were discussions about including a kiss, the decision was ultimately made to portray their relationship as unrequited love in order to evoke a stronger emotional impact.

I mean, when it comes to [Yaz and the Doctor kissing], it's like an unrequited love story. I'm not sure if it was the right choice, but that's what it is – an unrequited love story. Personally, I thought it would be more heart-wrenching if they didn't kiss. If I had to decide again, maybe I would choose differently, but I'm not really sure. It was a tough call, like a 50/50 situation. It wasn't about not being allowed or not going to happen, it was about creating more emotional turmoil if they didn't kiss. Plus, if they did kiss, we wouldn't have that final scene on top of the TARDIS. That scene itself was like the kiss, you know? It was full of pain and joy because their love was unconsummated. If they had kissed, it would have changed things, I don't know, slightly. There was always this delicate pressure because maybe it could have happened at some point, who's to say it didn't? But the decision not to have the kiss wasn't based on anything other than making you feel heartbroken that they never quite reached that point. Their feelings for each other were unspoken, but even though they had been declared, there was a depth to them in that final scene.

The Thirteenth Doctor's & Yaz's Romance Explained

Although Chibnall offered insights into the decision-making process behind the absence of a kiss, he acknowledged that it may not have been the best choice. The way the romance unfolded left some Doctor Who fans yearning for a more satisfying LGBTQ+ relationship. While the show has made progress in representing queer characters, it might not have fully met the expectations of certain viewers. However, with the confirmation of Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor being gay, there is optimism that the future of Doctor Who will embrace LGBTQ+ inclusivity more openly. Nonetheless, some may still feel a sense of longing when considering what could have transpired between the Doctor and Yaz.

Throughout their journey, Yaz and the Doctor shared a special bond, with Yaz having unwavering faith in the Doctor. As Doctor Who entered its thirteenth season, there were more noticeable hints of a romantic connection between them. Yaz's longing for the Doctor was evident, and their reunion carried romantic undertones. With it being Whittaker's final season, one might have expected their relationship to progress further. However, Doctor Who chose to wait until the Doctor's last three specials for Yaz to verbally express her love.

In "Legend of the Sea Devils," the Doctor implies her feelings for Yaz and admits that if she could choose anyone to date, it would be Yaz. Nevertheless, she acknowledges the inevitable time constraints and the potential for pain in relationships between Time Lords and mortals. This is a valid statement considering the Doctor's identity, but it effectively concludes their romance. The final episode, "The Power of the Doctor," grants them one final quiet moment together, without delving deeper into their relationship. Doctor Who's ending for the Doctor and Yaz was heart-wrenching, leaving us to wonder if a small measure of happiness could have been woven into their story.

Source: WHO Corner to Corner