Inspirational
The men producing Doctor Who in 1963 may not ever of seen it becoming the global phenomena it has become. At the same time, the idea the Doctor would become a female was even further from their minds. In this article by Jacquline Rayner from Radio Times, she writes about the inspirational female companions the Doctor traveled over the tenure of the show.
Honestly, I am not very familiar with some of the companions in the article, but I can tell about those I watched growing up and since 2005 when RTD brought the show back.
There are not many episodes from 1963 to 1969 that survived destruction by the BBC. But there are enough for Whovians to see some of these companions in action. I understand the Doctor is the center of attention for the show, but it is not Doctor Who without companions. It seems to me the Doctor needs them to help keep him in check.
When I think about the women who have stood by his side, it amazes me as to their abilities. Each one was different and brought something different to the table. It was great as to how the writers integrated them into the stories. These inspirational companions include Susan, Barbara, Vicky, Zoe, Liz Shaw, Joe Grant, Sara Jane Smith, Leela, Romania, Nyssa, Tegan, Peri, Mel, Ace, Rose Tyler, Martha, Donna Noble, Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, and Bill Potts. Sorry if I missed any those are the ones who come to mind at the moment.
These ladies are inspirational to all actresses. First of all, they play the companion of the best lead on television, second, they are apart of the best tv show ever. They did their jobs and were there for the Doctor when he needed them. Then he was there for them as well.
All these actresses very well may be the inspiration for many ladies to strive to become the Doctor or Missy. Who knows, but all of these ladies were on Doctor Who. Therefore they were an inspiration for some to become actresses and hope to become our favorite Time Lord.
Personally, when I first began watching Doctor Who, the idea of the Doctor being a lady was never a thought. Times change and well as thoughts, so now have a lady Doctor. These strong ladies who traveled with him, are an inspiration to many young ladies around the world. Not just because they were on Doctor Who, but because of the characters they played on Doctor Who as well.
