Doctor Who’s most recent episode, Fugitive of the Juddoon, not only brought back the Rhino-headed police, but also John Barrowman’s beloved Captain Jack Harkness. This former companion to The Doctor and leader of Torchwood has been absent from the show for years, and fans finally got him back.
This marks one of many returns this season, including The Master, Gallifrey, a Lone Cyberman, and a secret version of the Doctor that she had no idea about. Whether they return this year or later on, there are many other characters from the series’ past that should be revisited, as well as a few that should be put to bed.
Miss - Martha Jones
Martha Jones, as played by Freema Agyeman, was the second companion to David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor during the revival’s third series. Born on Earth, Martha Jones was a prospective doctor herself until Ten swept her away for adventures.
Martha was one of the few characters who stepped away from TARDIS life willingly and without significant tragedy. She eventually joined up with UNIT and continued fighting alien threats on Earth. Martha often felt second fiddle to other companions, so another return to give her more screen time would be a great callback to series past.
Phase Out - Weeping Angels
These horrifying aliens made their debut in Blink, often regarded as the pinnacle of Doctor Who storytelling. Since their debut, though, their effect has slowly diminished, due to an overabundance of appearances and retconning of their abilities.
The Weeping Angels had more than enough time to prove their longevity, but after multiple stories, they have lost their luster. Moffatt stopped bringing them back before Capaldi even took the reigns of the TARDIS. Keep these winged monsters away and let folks enjoy what we already have.
Miss - Wilf
Wilf was the grandfather to Donna Noble, a companion to the Tenth Doctor. But, Wilf eventually became a short term companion to the Doctor, assisting him during the events of the End of Time. Sadly, he was also the cause of this Doctor’s regeneration.
Wilf got the happy ending that he and his family deserved, set for life after the Doctor gifted Donna winning lottery tickets. Wilf was one of the oldest and sweetest companions to ever cross paths with The Doctor. One more appearance and short adventure would be a pleasant reminder of his legacy on the show.
Phase Out - K-9
This might seem like blasphemy to some, but it is an honest opinion that should be considered. K9 was a robot dog that accompanied many of the classic Doctor’s through their adventures in time and space and eventually reteamed with the Tenth Doctor alongside Sarah Jane Smith.
K9 is an icon of the series, but to say he is outdated would be a bit of an understatement. While maybe a small appearance or two could be fun, K9 never again needs to become a constant companion on the series, serving as nothing more than fan service.
Miss - Ace
Ace was the final companion of the classic series, adventuring alongside The Doctor, or as she affectionately called him, Professor. Ace was a rebellious kid, rocking boots and a patch covered bomber jacket.
Many fans regard the final seasons of the show to be a doomed return to form, one that was cut far too short. It would be amazing to see Ace return to the series, and seeing if she lost her more rebellious attitude.
Phase Out - Cybermen
The Cybermen are some of the longest-running villains of the entire series. Appearing first in the serial The Tenth Planet, these cybernetic monsters have gone on an upgrading spree throughout all of the universes, either converting or killing anyone who stands in their way.
Sadly, most of their modern stories really haven’t met the bar of classic episodes. They feel far more like a second choice to the more preferred Daleks, who have gotten more compelling stories since the series returned — perhaps letting the Cybermen rest for a few years would do them good.
Miss - The Dream Lord
This character appeared in only one episode, but fans have been wanting more of him ever since. Played by Tobey Jones, the voice of Dobby in the Harry Potter films, The Dreamlord was a manifestation of the Doctor’s subconscious.
He terrorized the Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory during the episode Amy’s Choice, crafting up two opposing but equally unbelievable scenarios that they had to fight their way through. There is so much potential for a villainous return.
Phase Out - River Song
River Song has become one of the most influential figures in the Doctor’s life, meeting more versions of him than most companions could ever wish. Not only that, but she became one of the only spouses the character ever had.
Her “final” episode The Husbands of River Song was the perfect conclusion to her story, leading directly into the events of Silence in the Libray. Having River Return would just feel like overkill at this point, and would sour her previous departure.
Miss - Susan Foreman
The first companion The Doctor ever had, Susan was technically family, being the granddaughter of the First Doctor. Susan traveled alongside The Doctor and her former Earthbound teachers Ian and Barbra in the first few seasons of the show.
Susan eventually was left on Earth alongside her boyfriend after defeating The Doctor, with the promise of a full life ahead of her. The Doctor promised to return someday, but it has yet to be seen. Since Susan is Gallifreyan, she assumably could regenerate, so just about anyone could play the role.
Phase Out - The Master
Sacha Dhawan absolutely nailed his performance as The Master, combining a perfect blend of mania and evil. And we would like to see him face off against Jodie’s Doctor a few more times if possible. But, after that, the character needs to be retired for a while.
Like the Daleks and Cybermen, The Master is a quintessential part of the show. But the character has returned multiple times now since the revival, and each new reveal is less and less surprising. Give fans a bit more time to miss the character before bringing The Master back.
