Doctor Who: What I Would Like to See in Series 10

There are going to be a few changes ahead when Series Ten of Doctor Who begins. What should change and what should stay the same for this season?

Change is inevitable on Doctor Who. The companions change on a somewhat frequent basis. The Doctor regenerates, with a new body, mindset and personality. The writers and directors change for virtually every episode, each adding their visions of what they want to see to the show. That change is a part of what makes Doctor Who great.

With a new companion, and the upcoming change from Steven Moffat to Chris Chibnall after this season, there will be even more changes. In fact, it may be safe to say that Doctor Who is going to be in a state of transition this series, given all of these changes. Hopefully, this does not mean that Series Ten will be reminiscent of Series Eight, when it almost felt as though the writers had no idea what to do with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor.

So, what would we want to see in this upcoming series? Let us go through a few ideas about what we would like to see when Series Ten finally begins. And, as always, let us know what you would want to see next season in the comments.

Next: Time for something different...

Doctor Who female companions 2005-2015 – credit: doctorwhotv.co.uk

A different concept for the next companion

Over the past eleven years (has it really been that long?) since Doctor Who returned to the airwaves, we have had the same sort of companion. While they may look different, and have different mannerisms, they have almost entirely been young, attractive women. The only reason for the young, attractive men to be there was because of the women. (We’re counting Jack and River as recurring guest stars rather than traditional companions.)

While it is understandable that the Doctor may be wanting someone pleasant to look at aboard the TARDIS and during his journeys through time and space, it’s time for something different. The Twelfth Doctor, in particular, does not seem to have that much interest in the looks of the companion, but rather their skills and usefulness… This is not to say that these women did not possess skills and usefulness, but a comely appearance was always a vital part of the package.

So, let’s get away from the stereotype. Let’s step away from that young, attractive British lass, and base the Doctor’s choice of companion entirely on skill and trust. Even though Capaldi is opposed to a male companion because he is afraid of losing his role as an action Doctor, there is no reason why a male would necessarily have to dominate the athletic aspects of the adventures. It also doesn’t mean that a different sort of change cannot happen. With all of the time he spends travelling through the universe, why not take on an alien as the next companion?

It’s time for some greater variation on board the TARDIS. With the new companion coming on board, maybe one one change can be a completely different look for the person whom the Doctor chooses to travel with.

Next: ....but not too different

‘Face the Raven’ – the Doctor and Clara; credit: bbc.co.uk

However, give him someone like Clara

One of the greatest parts to Series Nine was the way in which the Doctor and Clara bonded. After the previous series where she was being rather manipulative, they had developed an incredible bond, able to trust one another fully while showing that they were, indeed, best friends. It was truly glorious to watch.

That is a major part of what the Doctor needs in a companion. He needs someone whom he can trust, someone who will be willing to follow his directives without issue and get things done. He also needs someone that can be his closest friend and confidant, someone to whom he can turn in those times of self doubt.

This is exactly what Clara became. Towards the end, she wasn’t just another companion for the Doctor; she was family. Perhaps, in a way, she became an adopted granddaughter, someone that could fill that family void that opened when Susan departed all those years ago. For someone who has felt quite a bit of loneliness during his travels, that feeling of family certainly mattered.

While she may never return, and he doesn’t remember her, the Doctor needs someone like Clara. While this new companion may well be different, hopefully they can be the same in that aspect.

Next: Don't change the feel

The Face of Boe – credit: blindinspirationcast.com

Maintain the appropriate balance for the feel of the show

One of the biggest complaints that I had personally for Series Eight was that it just did not feel right. We enjoyably had a more sarcastic, cutting Doctor, but, in a strange contrast, the show seemed like it tried having more of a lighthearted feel. In a way, one had to wonder if Series Eight was written for Matt Smith’s Doctor, as opposed to Capaldi.

That changed last season. Series Nine of Doctor Who had a darker feel, more of an edge to it than previous seasons had. The Doctor was in his element, using his wits to rescue those in peril. Even the dangers that he faced seemed more menacing this series.

This is the type of feel that Doctor Who should have. It is not meant to be a relatively fuzzy program, filled with happy endings and rainbows and puppies. At its core, Doctor Who is a much darker show, where the Doctor wrestles with his demons while fighting a litany of terrifying monsters that are trying to take over the universe. It’s not a time to put a great deal of focus on romance, or being cute. Those are best sprinkled in here and there.

A season like Series Nine was the perfect vehicle for Capaldi as the Doctor, which is part of what made it one of the best of NuWho. Hopefully, the writers and Moffat do not depart too far from that tone this upcoming year.

Next: It's a great big universe

a Menoptera and a Zarbi in ‘The Web Planet’ – credit: radiotimes.com

Let’s get back to some foreign worlds

We all understand that the Doctor has a soft spot for humanity and Planet Earth. He may well be the biggest benefactor and supporter of the human race, and even spent his exile here on his adopted home planet. And he certainly does seem to enjoy spending a lot of time in modern day England.