Doctor Who Finally Concedes: Its Most Controversial Companion Was Truly Awful

Article Overview

The spinoff Tales of the TARDIS validates the divisive reception of companion Adric, as the Fifth Doctor and Tegan refer to him as a "nightmare" and "daft."

The Doctor and Tegan's negative remarks about Adric in Tales of the TARDIS acknowledge the ongoing criticism and mirror the common criticisms viewers have of the character. However, despite his flaws, Adric's death remains significant to the Doctor and Tegan, as it is cited as a driving force for their continued adventures, and they still profoundly feel the impact of his loss.

In the Doctor Who spinoff Tales of the TARDIS, the Doctor's companions play a significant role. However, the show reveals that the mixed reactions towards certain companions may have some merit. Tales of the TARDIS, created by the BBC for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary, invites past companions and even classic-era Doctors to revisit memorable episodes. Yet, the reunion of Tegan Jovanka and the Fifth Doctor highlights that not every memory offered by the Memory TARDIS is a positive one.

In the first episode of Tales of the TARDIS, the Fifth Doctor and Tegan reflect on their encounter with the Cyberman in the 1982 serial Earthshock. Initially, it appears to be a typical Doctor Who story, but the events in Earthshock result in the death of their fellow companion, Adric. Adric's demise in Doctor Who is shocking, but his legacy is far from positive. Despite the somber tone of Earthshock, the tribute to Adric in Tales of the TARDIS implies that the mixed reception towards this particular companion may indeed be justified.

Tales Of The TARDIS Takes Aim At Doctor Who's Adric

In the spinoff Tales of the TARDIS, the classic Doctor Who stories are reflected upon, while the serial Earthshock portrays the companion Adric in a more negative light. Recalling the encounter with the Cybermen, which tragically led to Adric's unexpected death, the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) and Tegan (Janet Fielding) discuss Adric's life. When attempting to describe Adric, Tegan playfully refers to him as a "nightmare," to which the Doctor agrees and adds that he was also "daft, silly, [and] sulky." While their words may seem harsh, it is understandable considering the mixed reception Adric received in real life.

By featuring the Doctor and Tegan's opinions of Adric in Tales of the TARDIS, the spinoff acknowledges the ongoing division surrounding the Doctor Who companion even after 40 years. The sentiments expressed by the Doctor and Tegan echo the common criticisms viewers had of Adric during his time on the TARDIS, perceiving him as arrogant, annoying, and petulant. Although the assessment of Adric in Tales of the TARDIS recognizes his lack of popularity, it also acknowledges that he was just a young individual. Therefore, it is evident that when the Doctor and Tegan playfully refer to Adric as a "nightmare" or "daft," they do so with an underlying fondness.

Tales Of The TARDIS Also Makes Adric's Death More Meaningful

While acknowledging some of Adric's less flattering traits, Tales of the TARDIS also gives more depth to his death in Doctor Who. Tegan and the Doctor's reminiscing reflects their genuine sorrow over his passing. They cite his death as a reason for their continuous running, demonstrating the lasting impact it has had on them. This is further emphasized by the Doctor's possession of Adric's signature star badge. By sharing their memories of their late friend in Tales of the TARDIS, the Doctor and Tegan ensure that Adric's legacy lives on.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the article. On the one hand, I appreciate that the show is finally acknowledging the divisive nature of one of its companions, Adric. It's important to have conversations about the characters we love and hate, and I think it's healthy for the show to engage with its fans in this way. On the other hand, I'm not sure if I agree with the assessment of Adric as a "nightmare" and "daft." While I understand that some viewers found him annoying, I think there was more to his character than that. He was a young man who was trying to find his place in the universe, and I think he made some mistakes along the way. But I don't think that makes him a bad person.

Overall, I think the article is a step in the right direction for Doctor Who. It shows that the show is willing to listen to its fans and engage with them in a meaningful way. I'm hopeful that this will lead to more nuanced and interesting characters in the future.