Doctor Who: 10 Reasons Rose Tyler Is The Definitive NuWho Companion

5. The Transitional Effect

Before Clara Oswald experienced the Eleventh Doctor's regeneration, Rose had been the only NuWho companion to have witnessed the titular Time Lord transform before her eyes. At the end of Series 1, the Ninth Doctor sacrificed himself in order to save her and she was just as confused as the viewers (many of whom were experiencing regeneration for the first time) when the familiar face of her best friend disappeared in an outburst of explosive energy. Suffice to say, Rose found the process of accepting the Doctor in his new guise particularly difficult to deal with. The audience depended on her more than ever as they turned to her for guidance during this awkward but crucial transitional period. It rejuvenated the show and gave it a new lease of life and as Rose learned to welcome the Tenth Doctor with open arms, the audience were encouraged to do the same. If Rose could move on, why couldn't they? As NuWho's first regeneration it was particularly vital that an established companion was around to see it, too. Had it not been for Rose, new viewers would've no doubt found the entire process even more confusing and it helped that she was also clueless as far as the Doctor's ability to cheat death was concerned. What's more, witnessing a regeneration through the eyes of a companion is always a guaranteed way to feel all the more connected to them. You both share in this unique experience and come out the other side with a mutual feeling of understanding. In a way, Rose also regenerated at the end of Series 1 and the arrival of the Tenth Doctor heralded the start of a shining new era in the TARDIS.