Underrated Companions

[MemoryTale]

*dons flame proof vest*

I actually liked Adric. I think it helps that I didn't grow up when Old Who was first broadcast, so my early exposure to him was through the Target novelizations rather than Mathew Waterhouse's acting. The fandom as a whole paints him as a woman-hating idiot who joined up with the villains at the drop of a hat, but that was only in Four to Doomsday, so I'd say this was more him being written out of character in that story. In other episodes he got along with the female characters just fine, and any villain joining was either being captured or trying to infiltrate them.

 

[Fiberglass Cyborg]

I also like Clara a lot. She's a complete pressure junkie: at her best when on her own and surrounded by killer cyborgs. Not a twisted ankle in sight. So sharp she'll cut herself- her quick-fire wit is actually a liability in some situations, which is interesting. She works very well with the formidable 12th Doctor, as she can actually stand up to him.

I have a soft spot for the 5th Doctor's gang, Teagan, Nyssa and Adric. The characters had potential- it's a shame the writers and directors often didn't seem know what to do with them. You've got the fierce one, the quiet, contemplative one, and the teenage wunderkind who isn't quite as smart as he thinks he is. They make a good team. Sometimes.

Not sure they're "underrated", but the double act of Zoe and Jamie can brighten up any story. They'e just adorable. They give an unusual perspective on the show, too: one from the future, one from the past, and their own times seem normal to them, not ours. I wish the modern sereis would try something similar.

 

[Fiberglass Cyborg]

Remembered this thread because I've just been watching "The Trial of a Timelord," and you know what? I really like Mel in it! I wasn't that impressed by her in the couple of 7th Doctor stories I've seen with her. Mel's introduction is an odd one, as we're shown a story where she's already been on the Tardis a while. As written by Pip and Jane Baker, she's this enthusiastic, tenacious ferret of a woman who certainly doesn't flop about twisting her ankle and waiting to be rescued. If anything, she has a dangerously HIGH level of initiative, rushing into situations the Doctor thinks might be best left alone. Kind of like Clara a few decades later. (I also like how the Bakers write the Sixth Doctor - he still has the bluster, but he has both more charm and more common sense than in some of his other scripts.)

 

[Ray Zdybrow]

In the next season, a Dalek becomes a companion.

 

[Le Panda du Mal]

+1 for Liz Shaw. Much as I love the 3rd Doctor I think he really could have used someone to put him in his place from time to time. And I also really enjoy the Tegan, Nyssa, Adric team

 

[Fiberglass Cyborg]

+1 for Liz Shaw. Much as I love the 3rd Doctor I think he really could have used someone to put him in his place from time to time. And I also really enjoy the Tegan, Nyssa, Adric team

Her parting line was positively meta: "You just want someone to hand you test tubes and tell you you're brilliant."

 

[farntfar]

Handles doesn't get the credit he deserves.
I don't think he deserves an Oscar for best supporting actor, but apart from that.

I also think Ace gets forgotten in these things, although she is set to return in the upcoming episode.

 

[Rodders]

I've been going through the Classic Doctor Who and I'm currently on the Patrick Troughton stories. I've enjoyed all of the companions so far, but I think Zoe has been my favourite classic companion up to now.

I am also impressed by Jamie. I knew of Frazier Hines through Emmerdale Farm and didn't expect to enjoy him as a companion as much as I have.