Doctor Who Showrunner Discusses Frequent Tragic Companion Departures in the Modern Series

Former showrunner of Doctor Who, Steven Moffat, has shared his insights into the tragic endings often experienced by companions in the modern era of this beloved sci-fi series. Moffat, who initially joined the show’s writing team at the beginning of its revival in 2005, took the helm as showrunner from 2010 to 2017, before returning to pen recent episodes, including “Boom”for season 14 and the upcoming 2024 Christmas special, “Joy to the World”.

Following the recent dramatic conclusion featuring Nicola Coughlan’s character, Joy, Moffat articulated his perspective on why so many companions meet unfortunate fates. As reported by RadioTimes, he explained that both he and Russell T Davies sought meaningful reasons for characters to leave the TARDIS:

In general terms, in the modern show we’ve always, and Russell [T Davies]’s done this too, [tried] to work out why they aren’t seeing the Doctor anymore.

Unlike their classic counterparts, who often departed on their own terms, Moffat and Davies explored profound motivations behind these farewells. Moffat elaborated:

In the old show they used to say, ‘I’m not gonna travel with you.’ Yeah. What? You’re never gonna come around for dinner? I mean, what’s the matter with you? You have to have a reason that they have the parting of the ways, you might say.

Implications of Moffat’s Companion Exits for Doctor Who’s Future

Ruby’s Return: A Precursor to Tragedy in 2025?

In recent seasons of Doctor Who, the prevailing trend indicates that most companions exit the TARDIS due to circumstances beyond their control. This pattern is evident in characters like Joy, Clara (Jenna Coleman), and Bill (Pearl Mackie), who face life-threatening situations, as well as in companions like Rose (Billie Piper), Amy (Karen Gillan), Rory (Arthur Darvill), and Donna (Catherine Tate), who find themselves in irreconcilable situations with the Doctor. Such narratives depict the Doctor as a demanding yet cherished companion, indicating that while he enriches their lives, the consequences of his adventures often lead to heart-wrenching separations.

However, not all exits have culminated in tragedy. Some companions, such as Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), Ryan (Tosin Cole), and Graham (Bradley Walsh), departed from the TARDIS willingly, having reassessed their life priorities. Dan (John Bishop) left due to the peril he faced on their journeys. Even the current companion, Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson), chose to leave temporarily to reconnect with family, although there are concerns that her return in season 15 could lead to a sorrowful farewell.

Reflections on the Current Trend of Companion Exits in Doctor Who

Can New Worldbuilding Change the Fate of Companions?

Both Moffat and Davies have crafted some of the most emotionally impactful departures for companions in modern Doctor Who. While classic companions often left on ambiguous terms, many modern exits come with heart-wrenching resolutions ensuring the characters might never return. Notably, the series has seen Adric’s (Matthew Waterhouse) notable self-sacrifice, Tegan’s (Janet Fielding) emotional paralysis from trauma, and Peri’s (Nicola Bryant) fake demise.

Despite the often sorrowful departures, these creative choices also leave room for opportunities. NEW developments, such as the reintroduction of UNIT, allow former companions to maintain connections with one another and undertake consulting roles, which could lead to less tragic outcomes for the Doctor’s allies. This new angle could pave the way for companions to explore their journeys beyond the TARDIS without the heavy shadow of tragedy.

Source: RadioTimes

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