Steven Moffat Explains Why Many ‘Doctor Who’ Companions Have Sad or Bittersweet Endings

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Over the past 60 years, has witnessed numerous traveling partners (or “companions”) join and depart, but a notable trend in today’s era of Who is that these companions often experience their journeys ending in a poignant and frequently sorrowful manner. The showrunner, previously known as , has shed light on why The Doctor’s traveling partners can no longer just leave their travels like they did in some of the original stories.

Before a reboot in 2005, companions were often swapped out without much explanation. But nowadays, some have met their end, others have been transported to different dimensions, and a few have had their memories erased for safety reasons. As Steven Moffat stated during his interview with Radio Times, the reason behind this is straightforward: they wouldn’t willingly give up traveling with The Doctor if given the choice.

In essence, in the current version of the series and as Russell [T Davies] has done, there is an ongoing attempt to explore the reasons behind why companions stop traveling with the Doctor. In the older version, it was simply stated, ‘I won’t travel with you.’ Essentially, this is similar to saying, ‘You’re not coming over for dinner anymore?’ It’s important to establish a reason for their separation, if you will.

2024’s “Doctor Who” Christmas special titled “Joy to the World” was penned by Moffat. As suggested by his remarks, the story concludes with Joy choosing selflessly to give up her life for a greater cause, thereby bringing an end to her brief stint as The Doctor’s traveling companion.

‘Doctor Who’ Will Return for a New Season in 2025 – With a New and Returning Companion

Although Doctor Who was off-air for quite some time, it remains the longest-running science fiction series globally and recently commenced a fresh chapter following the partnership between BBC and Disney. In season 14, Ncuti Gatwa officially assumed control of the TARDIS after his debut in the show’s 60th anniversary special. Contrary to expectations, Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday, will not be leaving before Season 15; instead, she will continue alongside Gatwa.

In the upcoming season, Belinda Chandra from Varada Sethu takes on the role as The Doctor’s new travel partner, and Ruby Sunday reappears in the TARDIS too. Details about how this new season unfolds for our companions or The Doctor himself are scarce at the moment, but we can expect the narrative to carry forward the Toymaker saga that was initiated in the special episodes featuring David Tennant as the 14th Doctor in 2023.

Throughout its long history, Doctor Who has encountered formidable foes that would give most space travelers pause. Despite enduring budget cuts, cancellations, and seasons that didn’t resonate with viewers due to either the writing or casting, the outlook for this time-traveling saga has never been more promising – at least for The Doctor, if not his frequently heartbreaking companions.

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2025-01-11 17:02