Doctor Who: Why I love Bernice Summerfield

Next month, Bernice Summerfield will be celebrating twenty years on audio. We take a look at the character, and what makes her so special to the expanded universe of Doctor Who.

Yesterday, it was announced that Professor River Song would finally meet fellow archaeologist Professor Bernice Summerfield, as part of next year’s incredible crossover, The Legacy of Time. But before we cover why that meeting will be so exciting, let’s take a look at what makes Bernice (or “Benny” to her friends) so special.

For over two and a half decades, Benny has been a big part of the expanded universe. Ever since her first appearance in the Seventh Doctor novel, Love and War, it was clear that she was very different from your usual companion.

Benny was smart, intelligent, and clearly loved her job. She also loved having fun and the occasional glass of wine (or other such drink). Her relationship with the Doctor has been complicated, to say the least. (Especially after what was very strongly hinted at at the end of The Dying Days.)

But it’s how the character has stood on her own that has really made her so special. Across books and audios, Bernice has gone on to have many adventures. She’s also become a mother, shared a very complicated friendship with the devious Time Lord Irving Braxiatel, and has grown greatly as a character. It’s no exaggeration to say that she’s one of my favorite female characters ever.

Lisa Bowerman

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Along with strong writing, Lisa Bowerman’s performance is also brilliant at bringing life to the character. She always brings a strong sense of wit, irony and charm, and the more you listen to her performance, the easier it becomes to utterly love Benny.

The funny thing is that there are many, many Bernice Summerfield stories that I’ve yet to enjoy. While many of the New Adventures are out of print and difficult to find now, I’m keen to check out the earlier seasons of her own audio spin-off series. Currently, these are only available on CD right now, but rest assured, the moment these become available on download, this fan will immediately be listening to them as soon as possible.

Regardless, it’s wonderful that Big Finish are not only celebrating twenty years of Benny on audio, but also including her in the epic The Legacy of Time next year, too. With this release, Bernice Summerfield might just reach a larger audience than ever. I hope even more fans will realize the true brilliance of this rather special character.

Are you a fan of Bernice Summerfield? Have you listened to any of her audios? Are you excited about the character being included in next year’s The Legacy of Time? Let us know in the comments below.