Doctor Who Broke Tradition With A Non-Human Companion, But It Only Lasted All Of 7 Minutes

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 15, episode 1, “The Robot Revolution.”Doctor Who almost always pairs its main character with a human companion from an era that aligns with the time of broadcast, but “The Robot Revolution” briefly deviates from this tradition to begin season 15. Although many of the best Doctor Who companions are from present-day Earth, there are other categories. The Doctor has had several companions from various periods and distant points of origin, and many are some of the show’s most beloved characters. However, the non-human companion in “The Robot Revolution” isn’t given enough time to establish themselves.

Although “The Robot Revolution” marks Varada Sethu’s return to the show for the first time since playing Mundy Flynn as part of Doctor Who season 14’s cast, the actress’ new role as Belinda Chandra is the episode’s primary focus. The connection between Mundy and Belinda, while referenced, doesn’t receive all that much attention. So, Sethu’s new character is installed as Fifteen’s new full-time companion – albeit a reluctant one. Interestingly, the Doctor actually has two companions in “The Robot Revolution.”

Sasha 55 Was A Rare Example Of A Doctor Who Companion NOT From Modern Day Earth

Most characters who travel with the Doctor are present-day humans

Although she looks human, Evelyn Miller’s Sasha 55 belongs to the native race of the alien world, Missbelindachandra One. Fifteen refers to the species during the episode as “Missbelindachandrakind.” Sasha 55 greets Belinda upon her arrival on the planet, and initially appears to be a subservient member of the planet’s humanoid population. In the following several minutes, it’s then revealed she’s part of a rebellion that aims to overthrow the Robots, that she intends to leave with the Doctor afterward, and that she never gets to achieve either goal after being gunned down by the Robots.

SASHA 55: Take [Belinda] home, Doctor. Then take me to the stars!

THE DOCTOR: That is a date.

– Doctor Who season 15, episode 1, “The Robot Revolution.”

Although very little of the Doctor’s time on Missbelindachandra One is shown in “The Robot Revolution,” it’s confirmed that he has spent six months there ascending to the rank of historian and aiding the rebels. So, the Doctor and Sasha 55 had time to build up a close friendship and make plans for when the war was over. The time fracture that sits between Earth and Missbelindachandra One makes it tricky to work out whether Miller’s character is a “present-day” companion, but it’s definitely true that she isn’t human. This makes her the first non-human companion since Nardole (Matt Lucas).

Why Doctor Who Companions Are Almost Always Present-Day Humans

The companions are supposed to be relatable for Doctor Who viewers

Doctor Who has a time-honored blueprint that has largely been adhered to throughout its 60+ year history. Although it’s not always the case, the Doctor tends to travel with a single companion, and they’re more often than not human and from a period of Earth’s history that matches the era when the episode was written. For example, Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler was from London in 2005, because that’s where and when her debut was set and broadcast. There’s a very logical explanation for this companion pattern.

Related

Doctor Who’s 10 Best One-Off Companions

While several of Doctor Who’s best companions travel in the TARDIS for several episodes, others only need a single adventure to win over audiences.

In short, Doctor Who‘s companions are essentially the eyes of the audience. Those watching the show perceive the adventures in the same way as the companions do. The Doctor is an expert on all things space and time, and present-day humans are often clueless on those subjects. So, when the Time Lord churns out a timey-wimey explanation, it needs to make about as much sense to the companion as it does those watching – which often isn’t very much. Of course, Doctor Who has strayed from this framework, but it feels like a special event when it does.

Doctor Who

5/10

Release Date

December 25, 2023

Directors

Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie

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