The relationship between the Twelfth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, and Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman, is one of the most debated dynamics in modern Doctor Who. While never explicitly stated on screen, many fans interpret their bond as deeply romantic, filled with unspoken feelings and intense connection. This article delves into the nuances of their relationship, examining key moments and episodes to explore the possibility of a love story that transcended typical companion dynamics. We will analyze their interactions throughout Series 8 and 9, seeking to understand if “Doctor Who Clara” truly represents a romantic pairing.
The Doctor’s Detachment and Clara’s Romantic History
When the Twelfth Doctor first materialized, he was a stark contrast to his predecessor. Haunted by centuries of loss and the cyclical nature of human lives, he initially presented a colder, more detached persona. His poignant experience in Trenzalore, witnessing generations pass and even his Cyberman friend Handles succumb to time, instilled in him a reluctance to form close attachments with humans, fearing inevitable heartbreak. This is evident in early Series 8 episodes where he struggles with empathy, such as his inability to reassure Courtney Woods of her significance or his apparent forgetfulness of faces – traits sharply contrasting with the Eleventh Doctor’s warmth and sentimentality. This emotional barrier seemed to be a deliberate choice, a defense mechanism against the pain of loss inherent in relationships with mortals.
Interestingly, Clara’s romantic inclinations towards the Doctor were already subtly established with the Eleventh Doctor. Fans often point to her grandmother’s heartfelt speech about love and Clara’s emotional reaction as evidence of her deep affection for the Eleventh iteration. Their dynamic, while not explicitly romantic on the Doctor’s side, certainly carried a boyfriend-girlfriend undertone in Clara’s eyes. However, the Twelfth Doctor immediately set a different tone in their first TARDIS encounter, stating firmly, “Clara, I’m not your boyfriend.” This declaration seemed to signal a clear departure from any romantic expectations Clara might have carried over.
Subsequently, Clara sought romance elsewhere, finding it with Danny Pink. However, their relationship was far from straightforward, burdened by Danny’s past and their contrasting personalities. Despite moments of genuine connection, their relationship seemed perpetually on the verge of collapse. The introduction of Orson Pink, a potential descendant of Clara and Danny, in “Listen,” appeared to solidify Clara’s commitment to Danny and the idea of a conventional future, including family. Her affirmative response to the question of wanting children in “Kill the Moon” further emphasized this desire for a domestic life with Danny. Yet, amidst these developments in Clara’s relationship with Danny, her dynamic with the Doctor took on an intriguing, almost clandestine quality, as if a different kind of intimacy was blossoming beneath the surface. The adventures they shared became a secret world, subtly hidden from Danny, hinting at an emotional affair of sorts.
Subtle Romantic Clues in Series 8 and 9
Several episodes throughout Series 8 and 9 are rich with moments that fuel the romantic interpretation of the Doctor and Clara’s relationship.
“Listen”: A Touch and Intense Scrutiny
“Listen” is often cited as a pivotal episode where the romantic undercurrents begin to surface. The Doctor’s repeated probing questions about whether Clara’s date is “serious” betray a vested interest beyond mere curiosity. Most notably, when connecting Clara to the TARDIS telepathic circuits, the Doctor’s prolonged hand-holding feels decidedly intimate and unnecessary for the task at hand.
Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor intimately touches Clara Oswald's hands while connecting her to the TARDIS telepathic circuits, hinting at their developing romantic relationship in the episode 'Listen'.
This physical closeness, coupled with intense, lingering gazes throughout the episode, suggests a deeper connection forming between them.
Intense close-up of the Twelfth Doctor's face looking thoughtfully at Clara Oswald in Doctor Who episode 'Listen', highlighting the emotional depth in Peter Capaldi's performance.
A scene from Doctor Who 'Listen' showing the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald in a moment of shared intensity, their expressions conveying a complex emotional connection.
“Time Heist”: A Date to Remember
The ending of “Time Heist” provides another humorous yet telling clue. The Doctor, to himself, remarks, “Robbing a whole bank. Beat THAT for a date!” This playful boast, framed as a competition with Clara’s date, implies that the Doctor views their bank heist adventure as a comparable, if not superior, romantic outing.
Doctor Who's Twelfth Doctor animatedly says "Robbing a whole bank. Beat THAT for a date!" in 'Time Heist', humorously suggesting a romantic undercurrent with Clara.
Furthermore, the Doctor subtly mimics Clara’s pose immediately after this line, a gesture often associated with subconscious mirroring of someone one is attracted to.
Clara Oswald strikes a pose in Doctor Who's 'Time Heist', showcasing Jenna Coleman's expressive acting and the character's playful nature.
The Twelfth Doctor humorously mimics Clara's pose in Doctor Who 'Time Heist', suggesting a deep, perhaps romantic, connection between them through subtle mirroring.
Later in the episode, during a tense moment, the Doctor passionately declares, “Well so might you do, to protect EVERYTHING you’ve loved!” This intense statement, foreshadowing his extreme actions in “Hell Bent” to protect Clara, highlights the profound value he places on her.
“The Caretaker”: Jealousy and Shared Gaze
In “The Caretaker,” the Doctor’s reaction to Clara’s declaration of love for Danny is particularly revealing. His wounded “Why would you say that?” is not the response of a purely platonic friend. It suggests a discomfort, perhaps even jealousy, at the idea of Clara’s romantic affections being directed elsewhere. This scene is immediately followed by a secret, lingering gaze between the Doctor and Clara, laden with unspoken emotions.
A poignant moment in Doctor Who 'The Caretaker' as the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald exchange a secret, meaningful glance, hinting at unspoken feelings.
Another intense gaze between the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'The Caretaker', capturing the depth of their non-verbal communication and complex relationship.
“Mummy on the Orient Express”: An Accidental Confession and Fairy Tales
“Mummy on the Orient Express” features a significant moment where Clara, while talking to Danny on the phone, says “I love you,” words confirmed by Jenna Coleman herself to be directed at the Doctor. This slip, whether intentional or subconscious, underscores the blurring lines between her relationships with Danny and the Doctor. Adding to the romantic subtext is Maisie’s line about the simplicity of life if “you liked the right people, the people you’re supposed to like,” followed by the caveat that “there’d be no fairy tales,” hinting at the unconventional and perhaps forbidden nature of Clara’s feelings.
Maisie and Clara in a thoughtful conversation in Doctor Who 'Mummy on the Orient Express', Maisie's dialogue about love adding to the episode's romantic undertones.
Later, in a conversation with Danny, his dismissive “you can’t dump him because he’s not your boyfriend” further highlights the unusual nature of Clara’s bond with the Doctor, a relationship defying simple labels. Clara’s silent reaction and intense gaze at the Doctor in this scene further emphasize the unspoken depth of their connection.
Clara Oswald's poignant, lingering gaze in Doctor Who 'Mummy on the Orient Express', captured after Danny Pink's comment about the Doctor not being her boyfriend, suggesting deeper feelings.
Close-up of the Twelfth Doctor's intense, searching gaze in Doctor Who 'Mummy on the Orient Express', reflecting the complex emotions in his relationship with Clara.
The Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald share a meaningful look in Doctor Who 'Mummy on the Orient Express', their expressions hinting at a deep, unspoken connection beyond friendship.
“Dark Water”: Unspoken Love and Loss
In “Dark Water,” before Danny’s tragic death, Clara prepares to fully commit to their relationship, symbolized by a list of post-it notes. However, her phone call to Danny, where she declares “I love you” but immediately retracts it as “not like that,” reveals a crucial shift.
A GIF from Doctor Who 'Dark Water' showing Clara Oswald on the phone, with post-it notes in the foreground, symbolizing her complex emotional state and relationship with Danny and the Doctor.
She confesses that her previous “I love you” was automatic, a habit, implying it was directed at someone else – strongly suggested to be the Doctor, given the context of their intertwined lives. Danny’s death shatters Clara’s planned future, unleashing her raw grief and desperate plea to the Doctor. Moffat’s insightful quote, “‘Do you think I care for you so little, that betraying me would make a difference?’ That’s about as close to ‘I love you’ as the Doctor can get,” perfectly encapsulates the Doctor’s restrained yet profound affection for Clara.
“Last Christmas”: Dream-Like Romance and Unmistakable Stares
“Last Christmas” is arguably the most overtly romantic episode for the Twelfth Doctor and Clara. The dream sequences blur the lines between reality and fantasy, creating an atmosphere where unspoken desires and emotions come to the forefront. The episode is replete with lingering, intense stares between the Doctor and Clara.
The Twelfth Doctor gazes intensely at Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', capturing the deep emotional connection and romantic tension between them.
Clara Oswald returns a deep, meaningful gaze to the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', their eyes conveying unspoken emotions and a strong bond.
The heart-shaped mistletoe hanging above them during a particularly intimate scene serves as a blatant symbol of romance.
A heart-shaped mistletoe subtly hangs above the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', symbolizing the romantic undertones of their relationship.
Throughout this scene, despite a room full of people, the focus remains solely on the Doctor and Clara’s silent communication, their eyes locked in a profound exchange.
The Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald share a silent, intense moment in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', surrounded by others but completely focused on each other, highlighting their unique bond.
Another captivating stare between the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', their expressions conveying a deep, unspoken romantic connection.
Close-up on the Twelfth Doctor's face in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', his expression reflecting deep affection and longing as he looks at Clara.
Clara Oswald's tender gaze towards the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who 'Last Christmas', showcasing Jenna Coleman's emotive performance and the character's deep feelings.
A dreamlike, romantic scene from Doctor Who 'Last Christmas' featuring the Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald, their body language and expressions suggesting deep affection and connection.
Furthermore, Clara’s playful yet telling remark about marrying the Doctor in this episode (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kSQfzYFWKM) further solidifies the romantic undertones.
“Under the Lake” and “Before the Flood”: Songs, War, Tattoos, and Sign Language
In “Under the Lake” and “Before the Flood,” the Doctor’s seemingly casual observation, “Come on, you lot, you’re bananas about relationships. You’re always writing songs about them, or going to war, or getting tattooed,” ironically mirrors his own actions with Clara. He wrote a song titled “Clara,” went to war to save her on Gallifrey, and even got a chronolock tattoo in “The Girl Who Died” to remember lessons learned with her. Immediately after this line, in sign language, he signs “I love you” and “you’re beautiful” to Clara.
The Twelfth Doctor uses sign language to say "I love you" to Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Under the Lake', a subtle yet powerful romantic gesture.
The Twelfth Doctor signs "You're beautiful" to Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Under the Lake', adding to the romantic interpretation of their close relationship.
These subconscious expressions of affection, much like his dinosaur translation in “Deep Breath,” reveal his underlying feelings for Clara. The quote “Tell her that you’re in love with her and that you always have been. Tell her there is no point wasting time because things happen and then it’s too late,” delivered in these episodes, seems to directly address the unspoken dynamic between the Doctor and Clara, with the camera deliberately focusing on them during this poignant dialogue.
The camera shifts to focus on Clara Oswald in Doctor Who 'Before the Flood' during the romantic advice, highlighting her reaction and the unspoken feelings between her and the Doctor.
“Face the Raven” and “Hell Bent”: Unspoken Confession and Love’s Song
In “Face the Raven,” as Clara faces her impending death, the Doctor’s choked “Clara…” before being cut off by her hug strongly suggests he was on the verge of confessing his love. Her subsequent words, “Everything you’re about to say, I already know. Don’t do it now, we’ve already had enough bad timing,” imply an awareness of his feelings and a mutual understanding of the unfortunate timing of such a confession.
However, it is in “Hell Bent” where the true depth of the Doctor’s love for Clara is fully realized. His relentless fight for 4.5 billion years to bring her back transcends any platonic duty of care. Clara, witnessing this unimaginable act of devotion, finally understands the magnitude of his feelings. Her devastated expression upon hearing his explanation of “duty of care” speaks volumes, highlighting the inadequacy of such a rationale to explain his actions.
Clara Oswald's heartbroken expression in Doctor Who 'Hell Bent', reacting to the Doctor's explanation of his actions as "duty of care," revealing her deep understanding of his true feelings.
In the Cloisters, Clara’s whispered confession, later hinted to have become her theme song (“Maybe some of them (memories) become songs”), suggests a profound declaration of love.
A GIF of Clara Oswald whispering intensely to the Doctor in the Cloisters in Doctor Who 'Hell Bent', hinting at a deep and emotional confession of love.
This cyclical connection back to the Doctor’s earlier comment in “Under the Lake” about songs and relationships solidifies the interpretation that Clara’s theme song is, in essence, her love confession to the Doctor.
Conclusion: A Love Beyond Words
In conclusion, while the Twelfth Doctor and Clara’s relationship never culminated in a traditional romantic declaration or physical intimacy, the evidence strongly suggests a deep, unspoken love story. Through subtle gestures, intense gazes, suggestive dialogue, and extraordinary acts of devotion, Doctor Who subtly crafted a romantic narrative that resonated deeply with viewers. As Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman themselves have stated, their relationship was indeed romantic, albeit in a restrained and nuanced manner. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7i62ERas2s) Their bond transcends simple friendship, existing in a realm of profound emotional connection and unspoken affection, solidifying their place as one of Doctor Who’s most complex and romantically charged pairings. The story of “doctor who clara” is a testament to the idea that love doesn’t always need explicit pronouncements to be profoundly real and impactful.
