The Necessity of Companions for the Doctor in Doctor Who
The question has often been raised whether the Doctor would be better off without companions, as it might affect the filmability and budgets of the show. However, it is crucial to recognize that the presence of companions is not merely a matter of convenience or entertainment value. Instead, companions serve a vital function in maintaining the dynamic of the series, ensuring that the Doctor's actions remain within a moral and ethical framework.
Why Companions are Essential for the Doctor
The Doctor, who is famously described as never being good alone, thrives with companions. When left to his own devices, the Doctor tends to make high-stakes decisions that can sometimes put the lives of many at risk. In such scenarios, the Doctor's choices can be reckless and self-serving, resulting in the sacrifice of innocent lives. Companions provide a counterbalance to these tendencies, ensuring that the Doctor remains grounded and adheres to a higher moral code.
The Role of Companions in the Series
Companions play a myriad of roles in the Doctor Who universe. Primarily, they act as a stand-in for the audience, allowing the Doctor to explain the complex narrative and introduce the antagonistic forces to the viewers. This role dates back to the very beginnings of the show in 1963. Over time, the dynamic has evolved, with the introduction of romantic subplots in certain incarnations, such as Rose and the Doctor. These elements not only add depth to the storyline but also enhance the viewing experience.
Companions as Social Limiters and Lubricants
Throughout the series, we have seen numerous instances where the Doctor's companions act as essential social lubricants and limiters. For example, in the episode Midnight, the Doctor struggles to get others to cooperate without companions to facilitate. In The Waters of Mars, he realizes he has strayed from the path because he lacked someone to guide him and keep him in check. In the episode The Snowmen, the Doctor retreats to a cloud, solitary and isolated. It is only his companion Clara, one of his favorite incarnations, who convinces him to return to the action, preventing the series from ending prematurely.
The Unique Necessity of Companions for the Doctor
The Doctor's need for companions is partially due to his status as an alien with significant social disconnects. These companions serve to ground him and provide a sense of normalcy. Given that the Doctor is an immortal being, prolonged solitude can lead to feelings of loneliness and, as a result, potentially dangerous behavior. Additionally, the Doctor's love for banter and the need to showcase his deeds are best fulfilled with a companion to share these moments.
The only time the Doctor was without a companion was in The Deadly Assassin, where the plot revolved around an assassination in Gallifrey. In this case, the support of other characters was sufficient to fill the role that companions usually play. However, even in such an instance, the Doctor's alien nature and the unique challenges he faces necessitate the presence of companions for a complete and engaging storyline.
Companions are integral to the Doctor Who saga, providing essential social balance and moral guidance. Their presence ensures that the Doctor remains a compelling and relatable protagonist, making the show richer and more engaging for the audience.