Now the thing about both of these relationships is, and I think that's what many people fail to understand, that Russell really - genuinely - finds this type of interaction romantic. This interaction between the doting, devoted (we as an audience might say "foolish") underdog and an uncommunicative, closed off stronger half, Russell really digs that shit.
Wanted to say this is an excellent post and I completely agree. I think there's another element to the dynamic as well, though it's one that Russell saves for his really 'romantic' couples - it's the idea that the 'strong' partner will only realise/appreciate what they've lost once the 'weak' partner is gone. Hence the big pile of Jack not appreciating anything before hand. Hence the Doctor mooning over Rose tragically for series 3. I half think he sees it as a final validation and victory for the weak half.
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Wanted to say this is an excellent post and I completely agree. I think there's another element to the dynamic as well, though it's one that Russell saves for his really 'romantic' couples - it's the idea that the 'strong' partner will only realise/appreciate what they've lost once the 'weak' partner is gone. Hence the big pile of Jack not appreciating anything before hand. Hence the Doctor mooning over Rose tragically for series 3. I half think he sees it as a final validation and victory for the weak half.