The Doctor Who Ratings Guide: By Fans, For Fans

Romanadvoratrelunder (Romana)

Lalla Ward

Reviews

A Review by Stuart Gutteridge 2/2/04

Romana`s second incarnation is certainly just as enjoyable as her previous, but what Lalla Ward brings to the role is warmth (contrasting with Mary Tamm`s icier portrayal), whilst still retaining the naiveity of the character. Perhaps this is down to the fact that Romana has simply got used to travelling with the Doctor and as a result is enjoying herself more. That said she doesn`t get off to the best of starts, her regeneration is overlong and confrontation with the Daleks do her no favours at all (and Lalla Ward`s portrayal here doesn`t help matters much). This aside she does generally improve (although she still has her bad moments, notably in Meglos). Her leaving scene remains one of the better ones of the series, and her subsequent promotion to President in the books is also a somewhat obvious thing to follow (although she has lost her sense of fun on audio.)

GREATEST MOMENT: It has to be The Horns Of Nimon, where Romana plays the Doctor (and possibly the only one who`s playing it straight too.)