Doctor Who Companions
Doctor Who Companions: The Ultimate Guide
Doctor Who is a long-running British science fiction television series that has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. One of the show’s key features is the Doctor’s ever-changing companions. These characters travel with the Doctor through time and space, providing a human perspective on the Doctor’s adventures. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most memorable Doctor Who companions from the show’s history.
The Classic Companions
The Classic era of Doctor Who, which ran from 1963 to 1989, had a plethora of memorable companions who helped to define the show’s early years. Some of the most notable companions from this era include Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter; Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton, two teachers who accompanied the Doctor on his first adventure; Sarah Jane Smith, a journalist who became one of the Doctor’s longest-serving companions; and Jamie McCrimmon, a Scottish Highlander who traveled with the Doctor for many adventures.
The Modern Companions
When Doctor Who returned to television in 2005, a new generation of companions was introduced to audiences. These companions were designed to appeal to a new audience while also paying homage to the show’s rich history. Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, was the first companion of the modern era and was responsible for reintroducing Doctor Who to a new generation of fans. Other notable modern companions include Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, who was a medical student before traveling with the Doctor; Amelia/Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan, who was a kissogram and partner of fellow companion Rory The Last Centurion, played by Arthur Darvill; Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate, who was a comedic foil to the Doctor’s serious demeanor; and Clara Oswald, played by Jenna Coleman, who was a mystery that the Doctor had to unravel.
The Spin-Off Companions
In addition to the main series, Doctor Who has also spawned several spin-off series that have introduced new companions to the show’s universe. The most notable of these is the show’s first spin-off, Torchwood, which introduced several new companions, including Captain Jack Harkness, played by John Barrowman, who was a time-traveling con man; Gwen Cooper, played by Eve Myles, who was a police officer; and Ianto Jones, played by Gareth David-Lloyd, who was a support staff member for Torchwood.
The Animated Companions
Doctor Who has also had a few animated adventures, and some of these have introduced new companions to the Doctor’s universe. In the animated adventure Dreamland, the Doctor teams up with Cassie Rice, a young American who gets caught up in the Doctor’s adventure. In the animated special The Infinite Quest, the Doctor travels with Martha Jones on a quest to find the Infinite, a powerful artifact that could change the course of history.
Conclusion
Doctor Who has had a rich history of companions, and each has brought their own unique flavor to the show. From the classic era to the modern era and beyond, Doctor Who companions have played a key role in making the show the cultural icon it is today. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer, the companions of Doctor Who are sure to capture your imagination and take you on a journey through time and space.
