10 Fixes For Doctor Who's Future

Doctor Who lives or dies on the strength of its companions. And companions only feel real if their world does too.

Belinda really suffered in this regard. Part of this was unavoidable due to The Reality War's reshoots, but even in the episodes that weren’t reworked, her arc pretty much disappears after The Well. We barely get to meet or know her family and friends, and her dad doesn't appear at all.

Ruby was better in this regard, getting a strong family unit from the off, and whole episodes to herself. But it’s a shame that Carla and Cherry didn’t get more to do beyond The Church on Ruby Road, and Ruby herself had little development as a character after that first episode too.

Contrast this with the Series 1 finale, where Jackie and Mickey have a vital role to play, despite the story being set in the far future. Or the scenes between Jackie and Pete in Doomsday. Or the Nobles, and how vital they were to that fourth series. Even Martha's family felt important, and were a constant presence throughout her series.

When was the last time a companion's world felt so real and relatable? When modern Who began this was the beating heart of the show but in recent times, has felt less and less prioritised. The companions and their families ground the show and give you that human element all the best dramas have.

Taking what worked about Amy Pond, Rose Tyler, Martha Jones and others is crucial for Doctor Who's next phase. Throw all the special effects and monsters you want at it, but without a heartbeat it's all just noise.