Hey guys, Jana here,
In the large series run of ‘Doctor Who‘, the actor that embodies the companion is almost, if not, more important than the actor we see on our screens that we call “The Doctor” for a few seasons. Go into any chat room dedicated to BBC’s ‘Doctor Who‘ and you’ll find at least one discussion thread that debates the best companion. To get into that discussion, it would depend on if we’re talking about “Classic Who” or “New Who”, I sound like Dr. Seuss about now but there are layers to a good debate about companions.
My personal favorite is a draw between Donna and Rose. It’s a difficult thing to try to register your favorite companion because there are so many different adventures that there’s a favorite for every scenario and the fact that there is still this much discussion about a series that began in 1963 is the hallmark of brilliant writing, dynamic acting and, at times especially in the case of Steven Moffat, sadistic creative and direction.
Now the new companion will join Peter Capaldi’s 12th Doctor in the TARDIS, for the 10th season,and it’s Pearl Mackie. She has just a few on-screen credits, but her stage work is more extensive. She is currently appearing in the National Theatre’s West End production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time‘.
Mackie will be replacing Jenna Coleman’s Clara who left the series to star in the upcoming drama series ‘Victoria‘, in which she’ll embody the queen. The new companion will be named Bill, and I just really love them giving the name an androgynous spin.
Mackie had this to say about her being cast in the long-running series “I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in – I can’t wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series.”
Capaldi said: “It is a genuine delight to welcome Pearl Mackie to Doctor Who. A fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm, she’s a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures.”
This season will be one to remember for several reasons, Mackie’s joining the cast, but the head writer and executive producer Moffat is calling this season his last and is being replaced after the next season by Chris Chibnall of ‘Broadchurch‘, ‘Torchwood‘ and ‘Camelot‘.