Doctor Who Now Admits Its Most Divisive Companion Really Was Terrible

Summary

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 inclusion of the Doctor and Tegan’s negative statements about Adric in Tales of the TARDIS acknowledges the ongoing criticism and reflects viewers’ common criticisms of the character.
Despite his flaws, Adric’s death holds meaning for the Doctor and Tegan, as it is mentioned as a reason for their continued adventures, and they still deeply feel the impact of his passing.

The Doctor’s companions are a major component of Doctor Who, but the spinoff Tales of the TARDIS shows that the divisive reception of one companion might be well-founded after all. Created as part of the BBC’s Whoniverse to celebrate Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary, Tales of the TARDIS invites past companions and even some of Doctors from the classic era of Doctor Who to revisit some of the show’s most iconic episodes. However, as Tegan Jovanka and the Fifth Doctor’s reunion demonstrates, not every recollection that the Memory TARDIS offers is positive.

During the first episode of the Doctor Who spinoff Tales of the TARDIS, the Fifth Doctor and Tegan reminisce on an encounter they had with the Cyberman in the 1982 serial Earthshock. Though it initially seems like any other Doctor Who story, Earthshock sees the death of fellow companion Adric. While his death in Doctor Who is certainly shocking, Adric hasn’t left behind a positive legacy in his wake. Despite the somber tone of Earthshock, Adric’s tribute in Tales of the TARDIS suggests that the companion’s divisive reception might be valid after all.

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

While the spinoff Tales of the TARDIS takes a reflective look at classic Doctor Who stories, the serial Earthshock casts the companion Adric in a more negative light. After recollecting the encounter with the Cybermen that sadly resulted in Adric’s surprising death, the Fifth Doctor (Peter Davison) and Tegan (Janet Fielding) reflect on Adric’s life. When looking for the words to describe Adric, Tegan laughs and calls Adric a “nightmare.” The Doctor agrees with Tegan’s assessment of the boy and additionally refers to him as “daft, silly, [and] sulky.” Speaking of Adric in such a manner seems harsh, but considering his real-life reception, it makes sense.

By including the Doctor and Tegan’s statements about Adric’s personality in Tales of the TARDIS, the spinoff acknowledges the divisiveness of the Doctor Who companion over 40 years later. The Doctor and Tegan’s sentiments about Adric reflect common criticisms of the character during his tenure on the TARDIS, as viewers at the time found him to be arrogant, annoying, and petulant. Though the Tales of the TARDIS assessment of Adric is a nod to how unpopular of a companion he was, it also acknowledges that he was just a kid. Therefore, it’s clear that when the Doctor and Tegan call Adric a “nightmare” or “daft,” they do so with fondness.

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

Tegan (left) and the Fifth Doctor (right) in the TARDIS in the Doctor Who spinoff Tales of the TARDIS

Tales of the TARDIS acknowledges some of Adric’s less flattering traits, but the Doctor and Tegan’s reminiscing also gives his death more meaning in Doctor Who. Although Adric wasn’t perfect, Tegan and the Doctor were clearly upset by his passing. They mention his death as a reason that they kept running. It’s clear as the two old friends discuss Adric that his death still significantly affects them in the present day, exemplified by the fact that the Doctor has Adric’s signature star badge. By sharing their memories of their deceased friend in Tales of the TARDIS, the Doctor and Tegan ensure that Adric lives on.

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