Doctor Who wouldn’t be the show, that we all know and love – without the Doctor’s companions. Including; family members, friends, enemies, plot-devices, background scenery and techno-babble interpreters.
They came in many shapes, races – and genders. The companions are as much a staple, as the Daleks.
No. 10 – Kamelion
Kamelion, was a short-lived (and largely unfeatured) shape-changing robot – and a companion of the Fifth Doctor. Chamelion was liberated from the Master, who was using the robot as a slave.
Kamelion figures – in here, simply because he had an unrealised potential to be a regular interesting companion – and was truly the only proper none human companion (bar K9!); that the Doctor has ever had.
No. 9 – Ace
Ace was a companion of the Seventh Doctor. She was pretty much, the most realised companion; with plenty of backstory to flesh-out her character – in seasons 25 & 26. She was a tough cookie – like Leela, but far more likeable. A proper 80’s throwback.
No. 8 – Harry
Harry – was a shortlived companion of the Fourth Doctor. A UNIT medical officer, he was likeable, upbeat and bounced-off Sarah-Jane Smith, well. A real shame, he didn’t figure more.
No. 7 – Barbara & Ian
The first and original (non-family) companions of the First Doctor. It was Ian & Barbara, who taught the Doctor’s grand-daughter Susan; at Coal Hill School.
Ian & Barbara, where the moral-compass to the First Doctor and also, surrogate parent-figures; to Susan.
No. 6 – Jo Grant
Jo Grant, was a companion of the Third Doctor. She was girly, cutesy, bubbly – and almost as popular, as Sarah-Jane Smith. If she had stayed, into the peak Tom Baker era of the programme. Arguably Jo could of become the greatest companion – but fell just short.
No. 5 – Brigadier & UNIT
Not really companions, but the Brigadier and his UNIT troops, featured in so many episodes of the classic era and alongside so many Doctor’s, that they deserve a place in the top-10; just for longevity.
No. 4 – Susan
The Doctors only featured family member – and original companion of the First Doctor. Susan was also – a Time Lord aswell!
No. 3 – K9
K9 – was probably the most popular companion, from the aspect of the show’s core audience; children. K9 partnered the Fourth (and greatest Doctor) for 3 years. He was also useful in a fight – or a game of chess.
No. 2 – Jamie
Jamie – is one of the longest serving companions in Who and a long-time companion of the Second Doctor. He was a likeable ‘primitive’ Highlander. Who despite his educational shortcomings – probably adjusted the best to the strains of adventuring in Space-and-Time (of any companion). The biggest issue with Jamie, was the fact he didn’t get another chance to travel, with another Doctor, for an extended period. He would have made a good foil for a future Doctor (as he proved when he travelled with the Sixth Doctor for a short time). As he showed, in his one follow-up appearance, in The Two Doctors.
No. 1 – Sarah Jane Smith
The greatest and longest serving companion, of two of the strongest Doctors – Three and Four. Forthright, strong, with just the right dose of warmth; in an era of passive Hammer Horror female turns. Sadly missed and beloved patron of the classic series.
Sarah-Jane was the first companion to be given more screentime – and even had specific stories, written around her.
That was Olddoctorwho’s best 10 companion list. What would your top-ten be?
