10 Genius Decisions By Doctor Who Companions

While fans love to debate about which Doctor Who companion is the best of the bunch, one thing that can't be argued is that it must be a tough position to be in.

Just think about it: you're an ordinary human, intelligent enough - but no rocket scientist. Then all of a sudden, you're thrust into a world of time travel, parallel worlds, moving statues and space rhinos, travelling with a grumpy old Time Lord who can't stay still for five seconds, someone who attracts danger like it's going out of fashion. The sheer stress of it all would prompt most of us to tap out after a single adventure.

And yet, despite how difficult it must be to keep up with (and impress) the Doctor, the show's various companions have had plenty of shining moments over the years, and in particular, they've made lots of decisions that prove how resourceful, brave, quick-witted and intelligent they can truly be.

To quote Missy, the Doctor's friends are more than just disposable functions like "exposition" and "comic relief" - they also have their moments of genius thinking too.

While the Doctor doesn't have to worry when he sustains a life-threatening injury (yay for regeneration!) it's not like he's just going to sit there and accept his death.

Just look at what happens in 2008's The Unicorn and the Wasp, where he comes up with a bizarre plan of action to cure himself after being poisoned by some cyanide. In the end though, it's actually Donna who saves him thanks to a smart bit of thinking.

This "bizarre plan" involves various food items. Heading to the kitchen, the Doctor frantically requests some ginger beer, drinks a little bit, and then pours the rest over himself. He then yells that he needs some protein, and subsequently downs a load of walnuts. Finally, he asks for some salt, and is handed a bottle of anchovies. Yummy.

Apparently, eating all this random stuff will vanquish the cyanide, but the process can only be completed if he is given a massive shock. So, Donna proceeds to grab his face, pull him in, and give him a big old snog. And yeah - this actually works.

For someone who is on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to companion intelligence, this was an extremely quick reaction on Donna's part, and it really emphasised something that fans love about this character: she isn't shy whatsoever, and in everything she does, she isn't afraid to just get in there and go for it.