AceShowbiz - The TARDIS was notoriously known as a no-romance zone during the classic era of Doctor Who, which spanned from 1963 to 1989. Even though the Doctor found himself accidentally engaged multiple times and had a Gallifreyan granddaughter, the show presented its lead character as an asexual figure, seemingly devoid of romantic feelings for companions. This dynamic shifted significantly with the series' revival in 2005. The Doctor developed romantic connections with several companions, including Rose, Martha, River Song, Yaz, and even a character named Rogue. This transition has been explained within the narrative as a sign that the Doctor's recent regenerations are more emotionally available. However, it raises an interesting question: why did no classic-era companion ever have a crush on the younger-looking Doctors? Surprisingly, a clue from an episode of Doctor Who season 2 suggests that one companion might have secretly harbored feelings.

In the episode titled "School Reunion," the beloved character Sarah Jane Smith made a triumphant return, portrayed once again by Elisabeth Sladen. Sarah Jane had previously traveled alongside the Doctor during his Third and Fourth incarnations before being left behind in not-Croydon. While her comeback was warmly received by fans, the episode's portrayal of her relationship with the Doctor sparked some debate. The narrative positioned Rose Tyler and Sarah Jane as rivals vying for the Doctor's affection, creating a recurring joke throughout the episode that culminated in their eventual friendship. This rivalry made sense from Rose's perspective, especially as Doctor Who was laying the groundwork for a Doctor-companion romance, which would soon come to fruition in an emotionally satisfying manner.

However, while it was reasonable for Rose to feel jealous of Sarah Jane, the dynamic raised questions about the nature of the Doctor's relationships with his companions. The idea that Sarah Jane could have had unspoken feelings for the Doctor adds a layer of complexity to her character and the show's history. It opens up discussions about the emotional depth that existed in the classic era, even if it was not overtly expressed. In this context, "School Reunion" not only celebrated nostalgia but also subtly hinted at deeper emotional connections that may have existed between the Doctor and his companions.