“Oh, look, I don’t understand it anymore than you do. Even some of the things ‘Doctor Foreman’ says…..” Barbara Wright – An Unearthly Child
“That’s not his name. Who is he……? Doctor “Who”……? Perhaps if we knew his name, we might have a clue to all this. ….!” Ian Chesterton – An Unearthly Child
Teachers – in space and time
Ian Chesterton
Ian (played by William Russell) was a teacher who taught the Doctor’s granddaughter Susan – at Coalhill school. Along with Barbara, become the first non-alien companions, of the Doctor..
In the original pilot An Unearthly Child – 1963, Ian was a science teacher – and Barbara; a history teacher. Together, they noticed how academically gifted Susan Foreman was (they did not know she was an alien!). However, they also noted how Susan struggled with basic concepts, such as the current (1963) currency .
Curious about Susan and also concerned for her welfare. Ian suggested that & Barbara and he, follow Susan home one night, after school to I.M Foreman’s Junkyard. Where they met, her next of kin – “The Doctor”.
The Doctor and Susan, explained their origin to the two startled teachers and then promptly kidnapped them. Taking Ian & Barbara on a journey, through space-and-time; to Earth’s primitive past.
Barbara and Ian, revolt against their alien kidnappers in ‘Edge Of Destruction’ – 1963.
Ian was intelligent, headstrong, brash and fiercely protective – over Barbara & Susan. At first, he (and Barbara) clashed with the Doctor in The Edge of Destruction but eventually, they both won the Doctor’s stubborn respect.
Later on, Ian was to watch out for the Doctor on many occasions saving his life. His army training was put to good use. Ian also developed some nifty sword skills along the way (The Aztecs – 1964) and was knighted by Richard Lionheart (The Crusades – 1964).
Ian also displayed abilities to organise – and lead others, such as when he was made to physically challenge the leader of the Aztecs; in The Aztecs – 1964 or whipping up the Thals to attack the Daleks; in The Daleks.
Ian also overcame his fear of drowning in (The Romans – 1965) when he was sold into slavery and the galleon he was aboard, sank. Forcing Ian to swim to survive. He even gained his sea legs, aboard the Marie Celeste; in The Crusade – 1965.
Barbara and Ian were the moral compass of the group, frequently clashing with the Doctor over the Doctor’s alien behaviour. In The Daleks – 1964, Ian castigated the Doctor, over the suggestion – that the Thal’s should mount a suicide assault; against the Dalek city. To retrieve an integral Tardis component, which had been lost.
Barbara Wright
Barbara (played by Jacqueline Hill) was a history teacher who taught the Doctor’s granddaughter Susan – at Coalhill school. Along with fellow-teacher Ian, become the first Earthly companions, to be featured – in Doctor Who.
Barbara’s knowledge as (an Earth) history teacher, was to serve the Doctor well – on their travels. She was able to advise the Doctor on the customs and practices; of different historical cultures. Including, how to blend in with the local populace; as not to cause suspicion, as in The Romans – 1965 & The Aztecs – 1964.
Barbara had a particular interest in the Aztec culture but was soon party to the horrors of human sacrifice – in The Aztec’s – 1964. Barbara was also mistaken for a reincarnated deity and used her standing, to try and make the Aztecs change their savage ways; by appealing to their better nature. However, Barbara had to reluctantly accept defeat – as it was too ingrained, within their culture.
Barbara’s most important role – in The Tardis, was to look after the young and impressionable Susan; with whom Barbara developed a motherly bond. Susan had a brilliant intellect but was profoundly naive and Barbara being more street-smart; attempted to protect her, from dangers.
Barbara was particularly sad, when Susan left but was coldly indifferent to her replacement; Vicki – who they met – in The Rescue – 1964.
Despite Ian & Barbara’s eventual enjoyment of their kidnap/adventure predicament. They both decided to risk a trip in a Dalek time-ship to try and get back home – in The Chase – 1965,. Returning to 1960’s London, only 2 years on from when they left – in 1963; leaving the company of the Doctor – for good.
