Doctor Who: Three companions: A good idea, or too much?
Doctor Who publicists gave us a major shock this weekend! Now that it’s worn off, let’s take a look.
To say that the Doctor Who companion announcement surprised us is an understatement. It came out of nowhere and brought along a lot of shock with it as well. As usual, the Who fandom split between not happy at the change, and happy to have so many new companions.
In case you missed it, BBC announced multiple things yesterday: a series of 10 fifty minute episodes starting in the Fall, three new companions, as well as a reoccurring character. These new actors include Bradley Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole. The reoccurring character is Sharon D. Clarke.
According to a poll that Radio Times put out, this follows what people wanted. They wanted a shake-up in the TARDIS, adding more people. However, two’s company and looks like three’s a crowd.
However, this isn’t new territory for the show. The Classic series often included three companions with the Doctor, all from different parts of space and time. For instance, Tegan, Nyssa, and Adric all travelled with the Fourth and Fifth Doctor.
While this is a big change for the show, people expected from the beginning that Chibnall was going to shake things up. He started with a female Doctor, of course, he’d keep surprising us! Which begs the question: why is there a negative reaction to something that worked so well for years?
BBC, Doctor Who Companions
First problem: Bradley Walsh’s age.
From the rumor, people didn’t like the idea of having a companion older than the Doctor. Perhaps they think it will take away from the Doctor’s ability to stand out as the leader. That is up to how Jodie Whittaker plans to take on the role. As long as Whittaker can still claim the leadership role amongst three other people, which I believe she can, there should be no problem.
People also are worried about the change from host to an actor. Some are excited for Walsh to take on an acting role, and some would prefer he stays just as the host on The Chase. As of right now, I believe he’s planning to do both.
Second: this stems from the same reason many people aren’t happy with Whittaker’s casting.
As unfortunate as it is to say, many people are upset at the casting for the same reason they’re upset at a female doctor. These companions bring an amazing amount of culture and diversity to the show, but some people believe it’s part of an agenda. I’m not here to address this concern, other than to say it is not my concern.
I’m excited for people from different ethnicities to come onto the TARDIS. My only hope is that they don’t all come from Britain and that Chibnall extends where the Doctor picks up his companions. This could be a great chance to get out of the London space where the Doctor has stayed for the New Series.
People don’t like change. Especially not all the change that Chibnall is bringing to Doctor Who. Many believe this is the end of Doctor Who. People also thought that when Moffat took over, when Capaldi was named, and I’m sure at many times throughout the New and Classic series.
Four people are considered a crowd, but where better for a crowd than in a TARDIS?