It wouldnt be a problem if it hadnt happened three times now: but the three most important companions in the resurrected shows history have all been young women from the same generation, who instantly grab a foothold in their Doctors life and render themselves indispensable within moments. Rose Tyler, Amy Pond and Clara Oswald are treated as The Most Important Girls In The World within the context of their Doctor Who narratives (and yes, that girl definition is the one the writers specifically draw upon not person, but girl). Very rarely, if ever, are these MIGITWs shown to make a mistake or do something incorrectly. On the other hand, when theres something to be done that is difficult, vital or a combination of both, all three will inexplicably rise to the challenge to prove that the Doctor, that amazing judge of character, was correct in picking them above everyone else hes ever met to join him in travelling through space and time, while he looks on with a kind of avuncular pride. Essentially, were told how awesome they are over and over and then episodes are gradually written around them to provide evidence of that position. For nearly all of the past ten years, whenever the Doctor has needed a pep talk or a dressing down, theres been a young, devastatingly attractive MIGITW to provide it: even if theyve known this ancient, contrary, unpredictable, idiosyncratic and perverse alien for barely enough time to wear out a pair of socks, theyll still have the inside scoop on what makes him tick, when usually even he doesnt know. And of course, it goes without saying that they're secretly in love with him. Even Amy, travelling with her husband, has a thing for her 'raggedy man'. The silly thing is that its been the non-MIGITW companions in the last ten years who have been the better characters. Donna Temple, the Tenth Doctors best mate', crotchety, loud and compassionate; Martha Jones, the smart, capable doctor who realises that her unrequited love for the Doctor is screwing with her life, and chooses to leave him; Rory Williams, Amys other and better half, the bumbling, nervous fool who seemed to have punched above his weight with Amy, and yet proved himself time and time again. We dont need another MIGITW when Clara leaves the show. We need another Donna, another Martha, another Rory someone who seems real.
Professional writer, punk werewolf and nesting place for starfish. Obsessed with squid, spirals and story. I publish short weird fiction online at desincarne.com, and tweet nonsense under the name Jack The Bodiless. You can follow me all you like, just don't touch my stuff.