Reflections on the 13th Doctor's Companion Squad in Doctor Who

Recently, the 13th season of Doctor Who introduced a unique and somewhat controversial element: the three companions in the first series. While this on-screen dynamic has divided fans, it is important to revisit the historical context and the impact of multiple companions on the series. This article delves into the discussion, including the experiences of previous seasons with multiple companions and the perspective of the show's current run, focusing on the influence of showrunner John Chibnall.

The Era of Multiple Companions

Historically, the era during the Tom Baker and Peter Davison tenures saw a trio of companions with immense success. Notably, the first season of the Hartnell era featured three companions as well, though one was his granddaughter. These seasons were celebrated for the writers' ability to craft compelling stories and integrate each character meaningfully. The absence of quality storytelling, however, led to the downfall of some seasons. Jodie Whittaker's tenure notably suffered from this issue, resulting in disappointment among fans.

Previous Bouts with Multiple Companions

Choosing multiple companions for the Tardis has been a subject of discussion for decades. Since the revival, Rose, Donna Noble, and Amy Pond have been regarded as the standout companions, each bringing a unique charm and personality to the series. The effectiveness of having multiple characters was further demonstrated in stories featuring companions with well-established histories, such as Amy, Rory, and River, or Clara, Sarah, and Jack. These episodes provided a more engaging narrative, increasing fan satisfaction.

The Current Showrunners' Approach

The series under the direction of John Chibnall introduced a fresh approach with Clairecompiled the four companions, including Graham, Ryan, and Yaz. This decision aimed to enhance the on-screen chemistry and strengthen the overall narrative. However, the transition from stories with single companions to those with three has its challenges. The writers' ability to develop each character's background and storyline became a focal point of criticism. In his first series, the writers struggled to give Yaz meaningful content, resulting in a lack of engagement for the audience. Yet, the comedic elements provided by Graham's character were appreciated, adding a layer of light-heartedness to the episodes.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

The introduction of multiple companions in Doctor Who's current era has faced several challenges. The complexity of developing each character's backstory and making them integral to the narrative has proven difficult. The transition from a collaborative and multifaceted relationship between the Doctor and his companion to a more traditional setup has led to a sense of incongruity. Nevertheless, there are lessons to be learned from the previous successes in having multiple companions, particularly in stories that offer a clear narrative reason for the characters' presence.

Showrunners and writers have the responsibility to create compelling stories that justify the addition of multiple companions. The experiences under Davies and Moffat, where the Doctor's intense relationship with his companions was a driving force, should serve as a template for current efforts. With a focused approach, the upcoming season holds the potential for an engaging and satisfying storyline that resonates with fans.