Doctor Who: It is Time for a Male Companion
By David Hill
In the modern incarnation of Doctor Who, when one thinks of the companion, a certain image comes to mind. They are usually an attractive younger female, someone who can sometimes play the damsel in distress while occasionally helping the Doctor remember his sympathetic nature. These companions may all look different, but they are seemingly interchangeable.
Maybe it is time for a change. Just as it is thought that the time may be right for there to be a female Doctor, maybe it is time to change things around with the companions as well. Maybe, just as they may change the sex of the Doctor, when it comes time to replace Clara, it may be time for something different – a male companion.
Yes, there have been males who sort of filled a companions role previously in the new incarnation of Doctor Who. Mickey and Rory each had their turn aboard the TARDIS, but that was more as the significant other to the current companion. At best, Mickey and Rory were sort of a foil to the Doctor; at worst, they were doormats. (Editor’s note: … or dudes in distress.)
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While a male companion, in the truest sense of the word, would be new for this era of Doctor Who, it would not break new ground. When we first met the Doctor back in 1963, Ian Chesterton ended up going along for the ride. In fact, both the First and Second Doctors typically had a male ‘assistant’ in their travels. Yet, as time went on, those male companions became far less frequent.
With the Twelfth Doctor, a throwback to those early days when the Doctor was not as concerned with being a personable, approachable being, it could be time for a male companion. This is certainly not to state that a female companion would not work with Capaldi’s incarnation, but the sarcastic, cutting ways of the Doctor may go over better with a male companion. In fact, maybe the Twelfth Doctor could be paired with someone who would be able to not only take the Doctor’s barbs, but shoot a few right back. (Editor’s note: A person such as this, admittedly, could be of any sex and/or gender.)
The times seem to be on the verge of changing in Doctor Who. The Master regenerated as a female and became Missy. There will eventually be a female Doctor. Why not bring in a male companion, and make him a true companion at that?