Got a companion-based topic here…
As an example, let’s say you have a friend who hasn’t watched any episodes that involve a specific companion. You want them to get the best idea of how this companion is typically portrayed during their time on the show, but you can only show them one story. Which story do you pick?
I don’t necessarily mean the best Doctor Who story that features that companion, or even the story where the companion has their best moment (though this could also be the case). I’m asking for the story you think summarises the companion the best. In my opinion, a companion’s first or departure stories won’t usually be their best summary, but that can be up for debate.
Oh, and also, you can only pick each story once - so no picking the Aztecs for Barbara and for Ian!
I’ll put down my picks for companions Susan to Dodo now, (and eventually up to Leela) and give my reasons for each one. Obviously everyone else is welcome to include other companions as well, I just haven’t got to them yet in my watch-through.
There will be a few minor spoilers here, but I feel like blurring everthing is a bit over the top so I’ll leave that up to people’s discretion I guess…
Susan Foreman - The Sensorites
Probably the obvious pick for Susan, she gets a significant role in this story, using her telepathic abilities and showing how she is different to the human companions
Barbara Wright - The Aztecs
Another obvious one, we get to see Barbara’s compassion for a civilisation that she doesn’t want to see destroyed, and her stubbornness when the Doctor tells her she can’t change history. Her connection to the rest of the main crew is also on display here. Another potential pick could have been The Dalek Invasion of Earth
Sir Ian Chesterton - The Crusade
Not everyone will agree with this probably, but… We see Ian in his typical action role while swordfighting; he is able to outwit Ebrahim, tricking him into untying his feet - again, typical Ian using his high intelligence to get out of a situation; and most of all, his concern for Barbara’s wellfare is his top priority thoughout the whole thing. (And he get’s knighted which is very satisfying.) The Aztecs could also work but I’ve used it for Barbara.
Vicki Pallister - The Romans
Vicki here is fun, cheeky, adventurous, has great chemistry with the Doctor (which I believe is her biggest asset overall), and just a great story to showcase her whole character.
Steven Taylor - The Massacre
While it isn’t a typical story in a way, this one does capture most of the key aspects of what Steven’s character is all about, culminating with his moral dilemma about travelling with the Doctor.
Katerina of Troy - The Myth Makers
Now, this is where my ‘rules’ about only one story for each companion mess things up a bit, as Katerina obviously gets more screentime in DMP, but I have to pick that one for Sara. At least in the Myth Makers we get to see Katerina’s background, showing why she is like she is.
Sara Kingdom - The Daleks’ Master Plan
The only pick for her, obviously, but still gives a good overall version of her character.
Dodo Chaplet - The Savages
It’s hard to sum up her character, as she wasn’t always written the most consistent, but she has some good moments here, showing off her curious nature and independence.
I’ll give my reasons for Polly - Leela a bit later, otherwise my post will be rather long. Hopefully my explainations are understandable, looking forward to seeing what others think!