The Tardis can’t celebrate its golden years without one of its popular companions



The Doctor Who universe is a much different place now that Steven Moffat is running the show. But that’s a good thing, because the series is only getting better.

Yet, it’s missing one thing: Capt. Jack Harkness.

With his work done, at least for now, in the Starz series “Torchwood,” actor John Barrowman says it’s time that Capt. Jack meets the new Time Lord played by Matt Smith. And it should be done just in time to celebrate “Doctor Who’s” golden anniversary in 2013.

“Jack is an integral part of this story,” Barrowman recently told Bang Showbiz. “If I’m going to be a little self-absorbed, I would hope he would be involved. It would be a shame if he wasn’t.”

Fans just saw Barrowman wrap up his work on “Torchwood,” finishing its fourth season and continuing to attract big audiences to both Starz and BBC One. It’s not clear whether or not there will be a fifth season of the show, but that doesn’t mean crossovers still aren’t available.

If he does get a spot in the series, it would mark the third Doctor Barrowman has had a chance to work with. He first appeared in Season 1 with Christopher Eccleston, and later showed up with David Tennant’s version of The Doctor.

“It’s a decision left up to the BBC and the drama department,” Barrowman said. “So like I’ve said to all the fans, you need to write to them if you want it to happen because I’ve never been asked.”

Barrowman says he has the blessing of both former “Doctor Who” showrunner Russell T. Davies as well as Moffat.

The actor is still pushing for a motion picture version of “Torchwood” to be produced. Despite a slow story start to “Torchwood” this past season for “Miracle Day,” action picked up quickly in later episodes, creating an ending that fans either love or hated.

Either way, it has buzz going. And if Starz can get over Davies’ new contract with Showtime to create programming aimed for older gay and lesbian viewers, it could very well order yet another season of the “Doctor Who” spinoff. That would make Capt. Jack very happy, but very busy, too.

“Doctor Who” airs Saturdays on BBC One and BBC America.