“I was born in another time, another world” Susan – An Unearthly Child – 1963
The Doctor’s original companion – and alleged family member
Susan “Foreman” – (played by Carol Ann Ford), was the chosen name of the First Doctor’s companion; who appeared as a 15-year-old Earth girl.
The Doctor referred to Susan as his ‘Granddaughter’ and she referred to him as ‘Grandfather’. However, this was never made clear. As to whether the two actually two shared biological ties, or whether they simply continued to refer to each other; by their chosen Earth aliases.
Most likely, was the fact that Susan was Gallifreyan in origin (although this was never confirmed either). It was confirmed, however, that Susan was born sometime around the “49th Century”.
Susan’s 15 Earth years, were considered to be much higher in Gallifreyan measurement than Earth but she was considered young; by Gallifreyan standards.
Susan’s chosen Earth alias ‘Susan Foreman’ was taken in part from ‘I.M. Foreman’s junkyard’ in An Unearthly Child – 1963, which the Doctor was encamped in – and using as a base for Tardis repairs; in London – in 1963.
Concerned for her welfare, Susan’s teachers; Ian and Barbara, follow Susan from school back to the junkyard home and were kidnapped by “Doctor Foreman” – in his time travelling Tardis – ‘Unearthly Child’ – 1963.
Susan’s first love was 20th Century Earth culture and she longed to experience it, by attending an Earth school – to learn. Therefore, Susan enrolled at Coalhill School, in London.
It was here, at Coalhill, that Susan attracted the attention of teachers; Barbara & Ian. Who noticed how academically gifted Susan appeared to be – and how impossibly naive she was – in other matters.
In lesson’sþ, Susan would completely undermine the teacher, always knowing the answer to complex equations. Sometimes, even appearing slightly arrogant and frustrated; that no-one else, could verify her answers.
Other times, she was unable to answer simple questions – such as what the correct currency was – in London, in 1963.
It was this – and the lack of a visible parental figure, that made Ian & Barbara decide to follow Susan home – one night; after school. They noticed Susan enter the junkyard and then slip inside a blue police phonebox. They followed Susan inside and it was here, that they met the Doctor.
Susan became particularly close to Barbara, during their travels together. Due to being naive, Barbara provided Susan with motherly guidance and protection; which Susan craved.
Although academically bright, Susan didn’t understand the Tardis workings, aswell as the Doctor. Susan did however, claim to have given the Tardis, it’s name : “Tardis” – being the abbreviation of “Time And Relative Dimension In Space”. Susan was progressive in her attitude, especially when it came to woman’s rights. In The Aztecs – 1964, Susan argued against forced marriage of young girls. Susan also displayed the skill of being mildly telepathic in The Sensorites – 1964.
After a number of adventures with the Doctor, Barbara & Ian. Susan met and fell in love with an Earth-based freedom fighter – called David Campbell; in The Dalek Invasion of Earth – 1964. She decided to stay with him – in 22nd Century, London – and leave the Doctor and the Tardis; for good.
Susan was briefly reunited with the first Doctor in The Five Doctors – 1983 having been transported against her will into the ‘Deathzone’, on Gallifrey – in the Time Lord games.
Concerned for her welfare, Susan’s teachers; Ian and Barbara, follow Susan from school back to the junkyard home and were kidnapped by “Doctor Foreman” – in his time travelling Tardis – ‘Unearthly Child’ – 1963.
In lesson’sþ, Susan would completely undermine the teacher, always knowing the answer to complex equations. Sometimes, even appearing slightly arrogant and frustrated; that no-one else, could verify her answers.
