Over the past weekend, BBC announced the newest companion to the Doctor: Bill, played by Pearl Mackie. We’re super excited to see how she and the Doctor interact in the tenth season of Doctor Who, which will premiere in Spring 2017. I know that seems like such a long time to wait, so check out this brief clip of the duo trying to outrun a Dalek.
The Doctor’s companions have always been my favorite part of the series. By definition, a “companion” is the Doctor’s closest friend and confidant. Their role is to help humanize the Doctor and keep him company on his travels. Think of them as the Jiminy Cricket to his Pinocchio. They vary in shape, size, sex, and ethnicity. No two are the same, and each has a special place in the Doctor’s hearts. Some stick around for many seasons while others only appear for few episodes. Before we become too attached to Bill, let’s take a look at some of our favorite companions from past seasons.
Vastra
Vastra is a man-eating Silurian. Over time, she learned to tolerate humans and even married her human maid, Jenny. She’s a capable swordsman and detective, often using her skills to help the Eleventh Doctor save the world. If there was ever a character in need of a spinoff show, she’s it!
River Song
River Song is a human with Time Lord DNA and the Doctor’s wife. She is extremely cheeky, a trait she inherited from her mother, Amelia Pond. River usually knows more than she lets on (that’s why her hair is so big! It’s full of secrets!) and has a tendency to answer questions with her trademark response: “Spoilers!” She has many noteworthy appearances, but my personal favorite is in “Let’s Kill Hitler.”
K-9
C’mon, who doesn’t love a robotic dog? These adorable things were the constant companions of the Fourth and Tenth Doctors. They are programmed to be emotionless and come with some pretty nifty features like a laser weapon masquerading as a nose or wagging tail antennae. I’d trade my real dog for a K-9 any day (sorry Rufus!) because there would probably less mess to clean up.
Wilfred Mott
Wilfred Mott only ever went on one adventure with the Tenth Doctor, but he lived vicariously through his granddaughter, Donna, who was a Companion for the entirety of Series 4. He was willing to sacrifice himself to save the world in “The End of Time” and only survived because the Doctor instead exposed himself to radiation. I love his reaction to the Tardis the most: “I thought it’d be cleaner.”
Alfie Owens
I know what you’re thinking: how could a baby be a companion? Alfie and his dad, Craig, both helped the Eleventh Doctor stop a Cyberman invasion in “Closing Time.” The Doctor, who speaks baby, claims that Alfie refers to his dad as “Not Mum,” the Doctor as “Also Not Mum,” and everyone else as “Peasants.” Oh and he prefers to call himself “Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All.” How cool is that?