Maisie Williams appeared to be set up to be the next great recurring character on Doctor Who. Now her departure leaves a large void in the Whoniverse.
It appeared as though Doctor Who was finally going to get another Captain Jack or River Song, a recurring character who could appear multiple times during a season without needing to fill a role as a companion. As Ashildr, or Me as she later called herself, Maisie Williams’ character appeared set to take on that role.
Even when she took off aboard the second TARDIS with Clara to have their own adventures, it still seemed probable that Williams would return to Doctor Who. After all, she had become a self-appointed guardian of those who the Doctor left behind, making it likely that she would appear at times going forward. As the Doctor wandered off to his next adventures, Williams’ character could be there to pick up the pieces.
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Well, so much for that idea. As it turns out, Williams will not be returning to Doctor Who, given her various commitments and other projects. That is not to say that she did not enjoy her time on the show, which she said was a “wonderful time” and a different experience, however, it is time for Williams to move on.
This is truly unfortunate. Ashildr, Me, or whatever other name that Williams’ character could have gone by, had the potential to be a vital piece of the Whoniverse. In fact, she had the possibility of being another excellent foil for the Doctor, someone who he is friendly with, but with that undercurrent of tension given that she has to help those left behind.
This character would have also filled a valuable role on Doctor Who for that very reason. When the various adventures are over, and the companions or others touched by the Doctor go about their lives, there is likely to be a void that cannot be filled. The excitement and adventure of travelling about time and space, darting to wherever and whenever in the blink of an eye, must be difficult to no longer have access to. While she may not have travelled with the Doctor herself, her contact with him over the years would make it easier to help those left behind as they attempt to return to normalcy.
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Instead, there is a void now on Doctor Who, one that Maisie Williams had been able to fill. Hopefully, at some time in the future, she can return. However, based on her own words, that unfortunately may never happen.