Choosing the Next Companion: 4 Dos and Don’ts
Guest contributor Alex King explains how to choose the best candidate for the role.
Now that we’ve bid our farewells to the wonderful Jenna Coleman, the question on every Whovian’s mind is “Who’s Next?” The companion is an essential role in the programme, being the eyes of the viewer, and could even be considered to be as important as the Doctor himself. Therefore, it is absolutely vital the BBC spends a considerable amount of time choosing the best person for the job, whether that’s the heavily rumoured Rakhee Thakrar, or somebody different. While I haven’t any influence on the casting choice (for better or for worse), I’d like to issue some open advice to the BBC (in the odd chance they happen to read this article before making their decision), in order to guarantee we get the most capable candidate.
Do – Choose somebody who can pull off multiple roles
This recommendation can be bent slightly, however. For example, an actress who has only appeared in dramas but can pull off both the girl next door role and a character who is despicable, manipulative, and sadistic would be good to consider. Also, an actor who tends to play similar roles, but can blend a variety of styles into their performance would also be acceptable. The crucial part is to choose somebody who can both shake up their portrayal of the character when needed and is consistent with doing so. We don’t want somebody giving an Oscar deserving performance one week and giving us acting not worthy of the Disney Channel the next.
Don’t – Choose somebody for anything other than their talent
On the internet, and on this site, I’ve seen a lot of demand for a minority companion. While I fully support this request, and would love to see more representation in Doctor Who, I would like to personally ask that ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion or anything else is not a defining aspect when casting the role. By choosing an actor/actress just because they fit certain criteria, you’re limiting your choices, and therefore risking not having the most capable person in the role. I would also personally feel deeply offended if I found out I was chosen for a job just because I ticked a certain box.
The person who gets the job should be the person who is the most talented, and fits the character the best. Don’t choose a minority companion just to tick boxes, and at the same time, don’t just choose a young white woman to keep up with the majority. Also, don’t cast somebody just because they’re physically attractive or because they’re a big name. I’d reckon most Doctor Who fans would be happiest if the companion was portrayed by the most talented candidate, regardless of that person’s appearance or personal life. And if you’re offended that the new companion isn’t a certain race, sexuality, or anything else, then this probably isn’t the show for you anyway.
Do – Choose somebody who has chemistry with Capaldi
This is simple, if the actor/actress does not have chemistry with Capaldi, then the Doctor/Companion relationship is never going to work. The key to the success of the Capaldi/Coleman TARDIS team was not only remarkable skills of the two leads, or their ability to play off each other phenomenally, but also their strong admiration and respect for each other off screen. It’s vital for the two leads to get on, not necessarily to become best friends, but an appreciation of each other is a basic ingredient.
For both the actors and the viewer’s sakes: Working with somebody you can’t stand for 9 or so months wouldn’t be a pleasurable experience, and the dynamic wouldn’t be genuine, so wouldn’t be as fun or interesting to watch. To get the perfect dynamic, the two actors have to make us believe the Doctor and his companion would want to travel all of space and time together, and give the other actor a chance to take the lead and shine when the script requires them to do so.
However, as Capaldi’s future is still a little uncertain, it may be important for the new companion to have admirable chemistry with a number of different people, preferably all of different styles, in case somebody else steps into the Doctor’s shoes for Series 11.
Don’t – choose somebody who isn’t going to be committed
For a start, it takes the best part of the year to film a series of Doctor Who, which often limits your chances to do much else, so it’s wise to only choose people who will be willing to spend several months in sunny Wales filming a TV show. If the actor/actress isn’t enjoying themselves when on set, then they’re not going to perform to their full potential. It is also handy to be aware of the enormous (and growing) fanbase, many of whom are children, who will want the actor or actress to sign things and attend conventions. They will also be asked to do various interviews and photo shoots etcetera. Now, there’s a line between being part of the job and being intrusive, yes, but it’s good to know in advance what you’re signing up for. I also wouldn’t pick somebody who despises Doctor Who. Okay, the chances of somebody in that position auditioning for the part are similar than somebody who has been on the Adipose pills, but even so.
Conclusion
I believe a combination of these four rules is the key to choosing the best actor or actress for the job. Obviously, the most important thing is to not only choose the most talented for the role but to also choose someone who best fits the character Moffat and co have created. I have great faith whoever we get will be an excellent choice, and I’m greatly looking forward to seeing who the BBC have decided to pick.
Thank you all for reading. Please leave your own Dos and Don’ts in the comments below, I’d love to read them.
