With the 60th anniversary fast approaching, fan-favorite showrunner Russel T. Davies returning to the helm, and rumors that David Tennant may be reprising his role as the Doctor, it's an exciting time for Doctor Who fans. And that makes it a great time to look back at part of what makes Doctor Who so beloved: its characters.
The show excels at drawing viewers into the worlds of supporting characters and lead characters alike and making viewers care about what happens to them. Many supporting characters like River Song and Kate Lethbridge-Stewart have left a lasting impression on the Doctor and fans alike. Some characters, however, only needed one episode to cement their place in the hearts and minds of fans everywhere.
The War Doctor, 50th Anniversary Special
This secret incarnation of the Doctor appeared in the 50th Anniversary special "The Day of the Doctor." The War Doctor is the Doctor who fought in the Time War and ultimately made the decision that led to Gallifrey and the Time Lords being wiped out (or so he thought).
The War Doctor made a huge impact on the story, giving context to the underlying grief of the Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Doctors while managing to let his own personality and regrets shine through. John Hurts excellent performance added layers of nuance to this character, making his single-episode Doctor feel as lived in as the Doctors he appeared alongside.
Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, Season 2 Episode 10
Also known as Madame de Pompadour, Poisson is one of the most beloved one-off characters in modern Doctor Who. In this episode, titled "The Girl in the Fireplace," Poisson finds herself targeted by time-traveling clockwork droids and right in the path of the Doctor.
Poisson's intelligence, courage, and natural chemistry with the Doctor instantly endeared her to fans. At its core, "The Girl in the Fireplace" was a love story between the Doctor and Poisson. The poignant and ultimately tragic story cemented her in Doctor Who history as one of the most beloved almost-companions of the Doctor.
"Metaltron," Season 1 Episode 6
"Metaltron" was a Dalek who encountered the Ninth Doctor and companion Rose when they responded to his distress signal, not realizing it was sent out by a Dalek. His appearance was the first time Daleks appeared in modern Doctor Who and the first time the Doctor encountered a survivor of the Time War.
This Dalek became the source of moral quandaries and philosophical debates, making for an impactful episode. As Rose's compassion literally humanized him, "Metaltron" was forced to feel emotions for the first time. This drew a direct line of comparison between the Dalek and the Doctor. As the Dalek reckoned with compassion for the very first time the Doctor was forced to reckon with his violent hatred of the Daleks, setting up themes that Doctor Who would continue to explore for years to come. In this brief appearance, "Metaltron" became one of the most influential Daleks in the franchise.
Jenny, Season 4 Episode 6
The Tenth Doctor and companion Donna met Jenny the moment she was created, having been cloned from the Tenth Doctor's DNA without his permission. Genetically engineered to be the perfect soldier, she was created specifically to fight in a war.
For the Doctor, Jenny was a grim reminder of everything he had lost to the Time War. Similar to the Doctor, Jenny's inquisitive and enthusiastic nature won out over her soldier programming. The end of the episode saw her flying off to find her own adventures in space, leaving open the possibility of another appearance. Many fans even want to see her heading a Doctor Who spin-off.
Kazran Sardick, 2010 Christmas Special
The Eleventh Doctor meets Kazran Sardick during 2010's Christmas special "A Christmas Carol." Scrooge-like Kazran controls the skies of the planet he lives on. When a space liner gets trapped in the clouds he refuses to clear the skies so the ship can safely land.
As the Eleventh Doctor and Amy travel through Kazran's timeline in an attempt to make him kinder, viewers are taken through the entire arc of Kazran's life. The episode explores his childhood hopes and fears, his regrets, and how that has shaped the cruel and bitter man he became. This rare depth of characterization humanizes Kazran, concluding with a poignant and well-earned change of heart.
Idris, Season 6 Episode 4
In the aptly titled episode "The Doctor's Wife," Idris appears as a strange woman possessed by the soul of the TARDIS. While the TARDIS is as central to Doctor Who as the Doctor, this episode marks the first and only time the Doctor gets to have a conversation with her.
Idris gives the Eleventh Doctor a chance to reflect on and explore his relationship with his TARDIS. And for the first time, it gives him insight into what his TARDIS thinks of him. They air their grievances but ultimately affirm their dedication to each other. It shows the audience and the Doctor alike that whatever happens, the TARDIS will always be there.
Captain Adelaide Brooke, 2009 Autumn Special
Very few characters who defy the Doctor have the moral high ground. One such character is Captain Adelaide Brooke from the 2009 special "The Waters of Mars." In a state of rage and grief, the Tenth Doctor tries to change history, an act with heavy consequences in the world of Doctor Who. Adelaide sacrifices herself to keep the timeline intact.
Adelaide's strict, serious demeanor is a foil to the Tenth Doctor's energetic rule-breaking ways. She has no issue keeping up with the Doctor, and fights against him upon realizing that in saving her and her crew he would alter the history and trajectory of the human race. In the end, she sacrifices herself, stopping the Tenth Doctor from significantly altering history, saving the timeline, and leaving the Tenth Doctor to ruminate on the consequences of what he tried to do.
The Dream Lord, Season 5 Episode 11
This episode doesn't follow the typical Doctor Who formula in that the main antagonist finds the Doctor and his companions mid-flight. The Dream Lord mysteriously appears in the TARDIS, holding the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory hostage while psychologically tormenting and testing them.
The Dream Lord is a mysterious and engaging one-time Doctor Who villain, giving viewers a glimpse into the psyche of the Doctor and his companions. He forces them to face how they feel about themselves and each other, testing their trust for and loyalty to each other in a way few Doctor Who villains do.
Sally Sparrow, Season 3 Episode 10
Doctor Who occasionally features episodes where the Doctor and their companions aren't the primary focus. These episodes rarely land with fans. Season 3's "Blink" is a rare exception, due in no small part to its lead, Sally Sparrow.
Sally resonated with fans from her very first scene. Her curiosity and intelligence drive the mystery of the episode while her courage and compassion make it easy for viewers to connect with her. She not only carries the episode on her own, but her actions ultimately save the Tenth Doctor and companion Martha Jones from the Weeping Angels. Despite only appearing in one episode, she's widely considered one of the best supporting characters in Doctor Who.
Vincent van Gogh, Season 5 Episode 10
Ask any Doctor Who fan what they think of Vincent van Gogh and you're likely to be faced with an emotional wail. Vincent van Gogh appeared in Season 5's "Vincent and the Doctor," an emotional story that marked the first time Doctor Who deeply explored mental health conditions.
"Vincent and the Doctor" is a character study, with Vincent serving as both the hero and the emotional core of the story. Viewers get to experience the ups and downs of his day-to-day life as he lives with mental health conditions, as well as experience the love and the pain from the people trying to help him. The episode culminates in a tear-jerking moment that sees Vincent visiting a modern museum and learning what his art comes to mean to the world.