Of all the old Doctor Who characters who should come back to meet the Thirteenth Doctor, River Song would be one of the most interesting. The time-traveling archaeologist is, of course, the wife of the Time Lord, having married Matt Smith’s version (in an alternate dimension, and technically she tied the knot with his robot replica). But what would River make of her husband becoming her wife?
There’s nothing to say this is happening in season 11, unfortunately, but fans have now got a taste of what such a reunion would be like as Jodie Whittaker and Alex Kingston have posed together at this weekend’s San Diego Comic-Con. BBC America shared the awesome fan-pleasing image on their Who Twitter account and hilariously, while Whittaker looks ecstatic to meet Kingston, the latter looks like she’s echoing River’s own shocked reaction at meeting Doctor No. 13.
Alex Kingston has commented on Jodie Whittaker’s casting before, of course. Her initial reaction to finding out who was playing the Thirteenth Doctor was actually filmed at a convention, and Kingston jokingly responded “I’m always the cradle-snatcher!” At a later date, the star added that she has her eye on encountering the new Doctor at some point.
It would only make sense, too. River has met the past three Doctors, having made her first appearance opposite David Tennant and ending her time on the show opposite Peter Capaldi. Kingston still reprises the role in official audio dramas, too, which have to date seen her encounter Doctors 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. So, if a Thirteen/River meet-up never happens, Whittaker will be the odd one out.
As fun as this would be, though, it doesn’t sound like it’s on the cards this year. Showrunner Chris Chibnall has promised that season 11’s about the new, with all-new monsters, planets and stories, in a bid to attract a completely fresh viewership to Doctor Who. Of course, maybe they’ll still sneak a River cameo in at some point, but we wouldn’t hold our breath for it to happen.
