After viewing the new episode of Doctor Who, “The Bells of Saint John”, I was struck with the overwhelming feeling that this might finally be the companion that really sticks with the Doctor for the long haul. In the last seven series (or seasons, as we would call them here in the US), the companions have been some of the most memorable in the entire run of the show. That is, aside from Sarah Jane Smith, who was the companion for the majority of the Tom Baker years. Now, let’s take a look at the previous companions before we jump into the breakdown of who Clara is.
Title card from last week’s series premiere.
Rose was certainly the novice, but did have some street smarts. Martha was the more scientific mind, as she began her journey as a post-grad doctoral candidate, and came back into the series as an actual doctor. Both fell in love with him. Captain Jack was the seasoned adventurer, who rebranded Torchwood in his honor. Donna was the daft one with the great destiny, who finally realized he always needed someone to keep him in check. Amy made him her whole world until her marriage to Rory, and both were finally what he would have to consider family, as well as friends. Of course, that was mostly because of Melody Pond, aka River Song.
You can say what you’d like about writer and executive producer, Steven Moffat, but he certainly knows how to make people real and relatable. The dialogue is perfect in every character and even in the three episodes she’s already appeared in, that has never seemed more clear than for the newest companion, Clara “Oswin” Oswald.
Jenna-Louise Coleman and Matt Smith in “The Bells of Saint John”
Now, we have this impossible girl who he may never figure out. Through all of her incarnations (yes, even through being an insane Dalek), she’s been flirty, even kissing him once. They’re both trying to figure the other out. The Girl Who Died Twice, the Impossible Girl is a paradox. She really shouldn’t exist. Her place is here with the Doctor, as possibly the only companion to really give him a run for his money and be in many ways, an equal. Saying this may get me into some hot water with the fans, but I’m starting to really believe it, even after this small bit of time I’ve gotten to know her through the episodes. “Soufflé Girl” may be something of an anomaly, but she seems as relatable to most as Rose Tyler or the Ponds. She also seems to be taking it much better than any of the previous companions.
With all of that said, I’m really looking forward to what Moffat and the rest do with this new companion, and I’m definitely hoping that she stays around for a good long while.
Promo Still of “Clara Oswald” and “The Doctor”