Massive Surprise: Doctor Who Season 14 Character Sets the Stage for Unforgettable Classic Companion Cameos!

Summary

The return of Jemma Redgrave's Kate Stewart in Doctor Who season 14 opens the possibility for more classic companions to come back to the show.

Kate Stewart's involvement with the companion support group enables her to seamlessly reintroduce any living Doctor Who companion as a UNIT consultant during season 14. Potential candidates for a return alongside Kate Stewart comprise Susan, the Doctor's own granddaughter, as well as Jamie McCrimmon, who could potentially regain his memories through UNIT's assistance.

The presence of an old friend in Doctor Who season 14 opens up the possibility for the return of even more classic companions to the sci-fi TV show in 2024 and beyond. Joining the world of Doctor Who means an actor has a job for life. Through multi-Doctor stories and Big Finish audios, actors never truly say goodbye to Doctor Who, especially the companions. In the main TV Show, companions like Elisabeth Sladen's Sarah Jane Smith, Sophie Aldred's Ace, and Catherine Tate's Donna Noble have all made comebacks at some point.

With the inclusion of one important character, the floodgates for classic companions could potentially open even wider in Doctor Who season 14. Alongside Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor, Jemma Redgrave will reprise her role as UNIT leader Kate Stewart. While any appearance by a Lethbridge-Stewart in Doctor Who is always appreciated, the CSO could potentially have a ripple effect that brings more classic companions back to the show.

Kate Stewart Could Use Doctor Who's Companion Support Group In Season 14

Kate Stewart made her last appearance in Jodie Whittaker's regeneration story, "The Power of the Doctor." In this episode, it was revealed that Stewart's UNIT had been recruiting "freelancers" who had experience dealing with extraterrestrial threats, meaning anyone who had traveled with the TARDIS before. Towards the end of "The Power of the Doctor," it was unveiled that Thirteenth Doctor's friend, Graham, had established a support group for companions who had been "dumped by the Doctor." Kate Stewart attended this meeting, providing an opportunity for UNIT to find new freelance recruits.

This is the first time in Doctor Who that companions are organized and connected through a proper social network, and Kate Stewart now has their contact information. Consequently, she no longer needs to search for former companions; she can bring any living Doctor Who companion with her as a UNIT consultant in season 14. The process may have already begun, as Bonnie Langford's Mel has already been confirmed for a team-up with the Fifteenth Doctor. Since Mel was present at the companion support meeting in "The Power of the Doctor," she could potentially be Kate Stewart's newest assistant.

Which Doctor Who Companions Should Return Alongside Kate Stewart

With Kate Stewart's presence in Doctor Who, it opens up the possibility for classic companions to make a return in season 14. One deserving candidate is Susan, who not only brings her Time Lord background but also has an unresolved storyline in the Doctor Who canon. Russell T. Davies hinted at Susan's comeback earlier this year, and Carole Ann Ford, the original actress, has shown interest in reprising her role. Considering Ian, a companion of the First Doctor, is already connected to Kate Stewart, he could serve as a link to reconnect Susan with the Doctor's lineage.

Another potential comeback, albeit more complex yet necessary, is Jamie McCrimmon. Portrayed by Frazer Hines, Jamie suffered a heartbreaking fate similar to Donna Noble's in Doctor Who. Despite traveling with the Second Doctor for a significant part of his regeneration, Jamie was forced by the Time Lords to forget everything and return to his own timeline, even though he strongly wished to stay by the Doctor's side forever. Given that other companions are aware of Jamie's existence, it is plausible that UNIT could bring him to the present day and restore his memories if they require his expert knowledge on the Great Intelligence or another adversary of the Second Doctor.

Sources: Doctor Who Instagram