Doctor Who: Bill Potts is Reminiscent of Another Companion

During the Twelfth Doctor’s time on Doctor Who, the show has drawn a lot on its own history for inspiration. Bill Potts seems to be included in this trend, with one former companion in particular coming to mind.

Donna Noble (credit: BBC)

Let us go back in the TARDIS to the Donna Noble era. After the Tenth Doctor had lost Rose, and Martha left because she did not want to compete with her predecessor’s ghost, the Time Lord was in need of a wake up call. And that was exactly what he got with Donna, someone who was unwilling to tolerate his nonsense and capable of forcing him back on track. Both the Doctor and Donna grew during her run on the show, and although Donna’s time ended tragically, she was still a stronger person for it.

While we have yet to see her in action, Bill appears to be a throwback to the time of Donna. Based on the trailer for Series Ten — plus her introductory scene — there are a few similarities. Much like Donna, Bill is not blindly impressed with the Doctor, instead preferring to ask the important, practical questions such as where the bathroom is on board the TARDIS. At the same time, again like Donna, she is still awed by amazing adventures. It’s a good balance.

It is also telling that the Doctor is again dealing with a personal loss. Even if he does not remember Clara per se, there is the knowledge that she is missing from his life. The travels are still in his memory, but his beloved companion has been erased from his thoughts.

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With Bill asking questions and keeping the Doctor grounded, he may have exactly what he needs. He could use a companion who will question his plans and keep him on his toes. He needs someone who will not let him get too full of himself, forcing him to understand exactly who he is. He needs someone like Donna.

And that is exactly what he appears to have gotten. While Bill may not be exactly the same type of companion that Donna was — nor would we expect her to be — she does appear to be pretty close in ways that matter. Considering what the Doctor has gone through, he needs someone who will keep him in line. And Bill, through her scrutiny, should be able to do just that.

Next: Doctor Who Parodies: The Twelve Doctors of Christmas

The Twelfth Doctor may be a throwback to the early days of Doctor Who, but he is not the only throwback at this point. Bill Potts seems to be a throwback as well, hearkening back to the days of Donna Noble. If she cannot return, at least we have a fantastic new companion who is able to fill a similar role.