Warning: spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 15, episode 1.
Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who season 15 introduces a character who thrives on social connections, as he interacts with multiple companions during his run. Following the conclusion of season 14, Millie Gibson’s character Ruby Sunday departs after an emotional reunion with her birth mother, opting to prioritize her family over time travel. Shortly after, the show announced Varada Sethu will step in as Ruby’s successor.
The Doctor’s search for new companions remains focused on present-day England. In this latest series, Belinda Chandra—portrayed by Sethu—finds herself inadvertently involved in an intergalactic conflict initiated by a character named Alan. After rescuing her, the Doctor reluctantly makes Belinda his new companion, as returning her to her time proves impossible due to time constraints, marking a transition from Ruby Sunday to Belinda Chandra. However, the premiere of season 15 reveals that the Doctor journeyed with two other companions in the interim.
A Comprehensive Look at the Fifteenth Doctor’s Four Companions
Each Season Highlights a New Companion
After Ruby’s departure, the Doctor reconnects with Anita, played by Steph de Whalley, in the 2024 Christmas special titled “Joy to the World.”Although Joy, played by Nicola Coughlan, garners more attention, it is the connection between the Doctor and Anita that proves significant. They share a full year together at the Sandringham Hotel, during which the Doctor reveals himself by discussing his past adventures and emotions.
While their travels may seem limited, the bond formed between the Doctor and Anita is profound, arguably putting her on par with established companions like Martha Jones and Dan Lewis. Their emotional farewell highlights the depth of their friendship, suggesting that much of their development occurred off screen.
Following his time with Anita, the Doctor finds himself on Missbelindachandra for six months due to his TARDIS being seized by malevolent robots. Here, he forges a brief alliance with Sasha 55, played by Evelyn Miller. Although Sasha’s appearance in season 15’s “The Robot Revolution”is fleeting, it’s indicated they spent those six months together, developing a strong partnership in a high-stakes environment.
| Companion | First Encounter | Fate |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Sunday | During a goblin rescue mission | Left to focus on her family |
| Anita Benn | While they were at the Sandringham Hotel | Offered a job at the Time Hotel |
| Sasha 55 | While on Missbelindachandra | Killed in a rescue attempt |
| Belinda Chandra | After a robot captivity incident | Inconclusive |
The Significance of the Doctor’s Adventures with Anita & Sasha 55
Exploring New Storylines with Big Finish
Although Anita and Sasha 55 might seem like secondary characters within the expansive Doctor Who universe, their impact on the Doctor’s narrative is significant. The Doctor’s time at the Sandringham Hotel, depicted as mundane with routine tasks, likely included thrilling escapades. As viewers know, the Doctor can never resist a compelling mystery. It’s plausible that Anita played a crucial role during these undisclosed adventures.
Likewise, the Doctor’s six-month stint with Sasha was filled with crucial undertakings, including orchestrating the downfall of a cyber regime. While not explicitly showcased, the weight of the Doctor’s leadership in this rebellion indicates there are broader, untold stories that necessitate exploration beyond the screen.
Fans have seen various one-off characters return through audio adventures, suggesting a potential for Big Finish to delve further into the experiences of the Doctor alongside Anita and Sasha. By continuing these narratives, listeners could engage with untold stories, perhaps even revisiting the taciturn aspects of the War Doctor’s experiences. The possibilities of exploring this new corner of the Doctor Who universe are both exciting and promising.
Insights on the Evolving Dynamics of the Fifteenth Doctor’s Companionship
The Implications of a Fast-Changing Companion Lineup
Ncuti Gatwa’s iteration of the Fifteenth Doctor raises intriguing questions about his character, particularly when considering his swift transition through three companions. This trend bears both promising and concerning implications.
On one hand, the Fifteenth Doctor’s ability to embrace change and move on after Ruby’s departure shows growth. Past regenerations often struggled with loss; however, Gatwa’s Doctor appears to adapt quickly, seamlessly shifting from Anita to Sasha and then Belinda Chandra. Notably, he hardly pauses to mourn between the transitions, reflecting a pragmatic approach to companionship.
However, this revolving door of companions could suggest a deeper issue. While it may indicate the Doctor’s capability to renew relationships, it also highlights a potential pattern of transient connections that could signify a reluctance to bond deeply. For instance, Anita never steps aboard the TARDIS, and Sasha’s short-lived engagement ends in tragedy, which could signify troubling trends within the Doctor’s social life.
Historically, the Doctor has cherished long-term connections with companions like Rose, Amy, and Donna, often dreaming of everlasting partnerships. Yet, Gatwa’s current portrayal suggests a strategy to protect himself emotionally by accepting that every new companion may not stay. This shift could reflect the character’s evolution as he grapples with the realities of his own loneliness and the burdens of companionship.
This fascinating dynamic in Gatwa’s portrayal invites both reflection and speculation among the fandom, opening discussions about the future of the Doctor’s adventures and the nature of his relationships.