Doctor Who: Why I love Lucie bleedin’ Miller

With the Eighth Doctor companion due to make a long awaited return next year, we take a look at Lucie Miller, and why she’s still one of the greatest Doctor Who companions ever.

I’m going to be honest: I’m very excited about the recent news of Lucie Miller’s return. She’s one of my favorite companions in Doctor Who ever, so it’s wonderful that we’ll be hearing more stories from her next year.

But why am I so excited? What is it that makes Lucie Miller so special? There are a few key reasons why she’s such a great companion.

First off, there’s Sheridan Smith herself. Big Finish Productions were incredibly lucky to get her when they did. While Smith was a very recognizable actress back in 2006, she was at the time mainly recognized for roles in various British sitcoms.

Over time, however, it became more and more clear that she was meant for much bigger things. It wasn’t just clear to Doctor Who fans, but through her work on stage and in several TV dramas, to the whole of Britain, too. Her career was taking off in a big way when she left Doctor Who in 2011.

Smith’s role of Lucie really showed us why she’s so fantastic. With the character of Lucie, Smith added so much charm and charisma. Even while she’s yelling at the Doctor – or perhaps especially when she’s yelling at him – she’s an incredibly likable character.

More than that – with Lucie Miller, there were so many different sides that she had to perform. Not just the loud, angry and bold, but also the scared and the vulnerable, too. Lucie felt like an incredibly real person, someone who was strong but still flawed and could still make mistakes. Smith portrayed all of that brilliantly.

The Eighth Doctor’s and Lucie’s relationship saw some major ups and downs over the years. Particularly in Death in Blackpool, where Lucie felt sure she was leaving him for good…

(Photo credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Lucie’s and the Doctor’s friendship

Smith’s excellent performance is supported by consistently strong writing for the companion. Lucie wasn’t a character who lacked development. When she first arrived on the TARDIS, it wasn’t her choice, and she was completely against travelling with the Doctor.

Over time, however, she learned to appreciate both her travels and the Doctor more and more. Eventually, Lucie’s and the Doctor’s relationship became incredibly strong.

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It also had some major ups and downs, particularly when Lucie found out that her best friend had kept a major secret from her in Death in Blackpool. But that’s one more reason why their relationship was so special: even though Lucie left the Doctor and believed she could never forgive him, eventually, she did. Right before her dramatic exit in To The Death.

And believe me, I do mean dramatic. Remember how shocking and heartbreaking Clara’s exit was in Face the Raven? Before Moffat backtracked it in Hell Bent? Think along the lines of that, but even more gut-wrenching, and without the backtrack. It’s one of the most memorable and boldest exits a companion’s ever been given, and that’s perfect for Lucie.

While I’d never want her back in anything set after To The Death, I am more than happy to get more stories set before that ending. Over a decade later, and Lucie Miller is still one of my favorite companions of all time. I’m really happy that Sheridan Smith is returning to the role. I can’t wait to find out what she and the Doctor get up to next!

Are you a fan of Lucie Miller? Are you excited at getting more stories featuring the character? Let us know in the comments below.