10 Doctor Who Mysteries Explained Outside The Show
8. Who Was On The Laptop In The Companion Support Group?
How many people attended the inaugural meeting of the Companion Support Group? There was Yaz, Dan, and Graham. Plus Kate Stewart. Then Ace, Mel, Tegan, Jo, and Ian. So nine. Right?
Well, although only nine members appeared in person, there may have been many other virtual participants, as implied by the empty chair which, on closer inspection, is holding a laptop - tantalisingly placed, with its back to us viewers.
In the episode, we never find out what the laptop was for. However, The Power of the Doctor's shooting script reveals that we were originally meant to see that screen. Further still, writer Chris Chibnall even cites some of the companions he intended to appear: Martha, Ryan, Jackie... and BENNIIIII.
Just kidding.
But Jackie Tyler though. Seriously? How would she have logged in from a parallel universe? Maybe Zoom is inter-dimensional in Pete's World?
According to Chibnall on the episode’s commentary, Freema Agyeman and Tosin Cole were both approached, but were sadly unavailable. That's disappointing, but it does also mean that the laptop can act as a tribute to those companion actors who are no longer with us, allowing for the possibility that their characters were taking part too.