Vicki Origin : Earth-25th Century Stephen Origin : Earth-23rd Century
Companion reign : 1964 – 65.
[Discussing the Tardis] “TARDIS. T-A-R-D-I-S. It stands for ‘Time And Relative Dimensions In Space’.” Vicki
“I..D..B..I..” Steven
“What? IDBI?” Vicky
“I-D-B-I! It means I Don’t Believe It!” Steven. [The Time Meddler – 1965]
Vicki
Vicki Pallister (played by Maureen O’Brien), met the First Doctor in The Rescue – 1965.
Vicki, was one of two survivors of a crashed starship; along with a man called ‘Bennet’ – on the planet Dido. Bennet appeared initially benevolent and protective of Vicki but was later unmasked, as a dangerous criminal. After his death, the First Doctor took pity on Vicki – and invited her to travel in the Tardis; with Ian and Barbara.
Partially similar to Susan and Barbara before, Vicki was herself, a remarkably academically bright girl, from the 25th Century – and was herself, extremely history savvy.
Immediately, this caused tension between Vicki and Barbara, with Barbara being a 20th Century school-teacher and Vicki having a natural advantage; on post-1960’s Earth history and development.
On top of this, Barbara had also accidentally killed Vicki’s alien pet lizard with a flare gun in The Rescue – 1965; incorrectly believing it to be a dangerous wild crearure.
Vicki and Barbara bickered frequently, as Vicki seemed to enjoy teasing Barbara about her superior knowledge; with all of the technological and social advancements – which had taken place; since Barbara’s 20th century era.
Vicki eventually became close to new companion Steven Taylor (following Ian and Barbara’s departure). Vicki acted, as Steven’s moral outlook – to her new impestious and headstrong young male counterpart.
In The Myth Makers – 1965, the Tardis travelled to the city of Troy on Earth; during the Trojan War. Vicki inadvertantly fell in love with a Trojan Prince; named Trollias and left the Doctor and Steven’s company.
Vicki was an almost like-for-like replacement for Susan. The Doctor, clearly missing Susan, seemed to replace her with Vicki – as the new doting grand-daughter.
And like Susan, from a writing persepctive; Vicki didn’t receive much meaningful character development – or screentime.
After a season – and a half, the actor Maureen O’ Brien decided to leave the show; for similar reasons that her predecessor Carol-Ann Ford (Susan) had.
Steven
Steven Taylor (played by Peter Purves), met and became a companion of the First Doctor – in The Chase – 1965; . Having been, a captive of an warlike robotic race, known as the ‘Mechanoids’.
Steven had been in the Earth Military of the 23rd Century. Having flown many successful space-missions but having then crash-landed on planet Mechanos.
Kept in permanent solitiude for 2 years. Steven had not seen (or interacted with) another human being in all that time. Only kept (partially) sane by a robotic toy panda, nicknamed ‘Hi-Fi’.
After a battle, involving the invading Daleks, the Mechanoids were destroyed; Steven then escaped captivity and stumbled (unwittingly) into the Tardis (unbeknown to the Doctor). Before collapsing unconcious.
Steven was – as a character; markedly similar to Ian. However, Steven was less experienced, younger – and more rash/headstrong in his persona. Steven was also very intelligent and incredibly loyal too.
Steven sported a deprecating sense of humour and developed a good rapport with fellow new companion; Vicki.
Steven initially had trouble, accepting that time-travel was real (The Time Meddler – 1965). Believing instead, that the Tardis was just travelling from planet-to-planet; rather than time-travelling.
In The Myth Makers – 1965, Steven witnessed the Greek/Trojan war. Steven then borrowed the Greek name ‘Diomede’ (which meant bravery) and fought for the Greeks. Being badly wounded – in a sword fight with Trojan soldiers.
Steven also got seriously ill in The Ark – 1966 having contracted a cold-virus from new female companion; Dodo. Steven, had no prior exposure or immunity to the virus. He eventually recovered, having been lucky to survive; after descending into a raging fever.
Steven even got the chance to perform, singing ballads – at gunpoint – in the ‘Last Chance’ saloon – in Tombstone, Arizona – 1881; in The Gunfighters.
Steven eventually left the Doctor and Dodo, at the end of The Savages – 1966, having agreed to stay and help a brutalised civilisation rebuild itself; into a fairer society.
Steven and Vicki were easy-going and adequately likeable replacements for Ian and Barbara and Susan. Perhaps not as well realised, or as well written.
Indeed Vicki appeared to be a combination of Barbara and Susan and Steven a more headstrong version of Ian. Therefore, fairly prone to comparisions of being facsimilies of those characters.
Nonetheless, Vicki and Steven were in themselves, engaging enough foils for the First Doctor and the stories that they were involved in.
Steven Taylor (played by Peter Purves), met and became a companion of the First Doctor – in The Chase – 1965; . Having been, a captive of an warlike robotic race, known as the ‘Mechanoids’.
