In a thrilling excerpt from the upcoming Doctor Who – The Collection: Season 15 boxset, fans are given a taste of the formidable Leela, the warrior companion of the Fourth Doctor, facing imminent danger with unwavering courage. This newly remastered footage highlights why Leela, portrayed by Louise Jameson, remains a beloved and iconic figure in the Doctor Who universe.
The scene unfolds with Leela addressing her officer, Axton, amidst a perilous situation. Her words, “Do not fear. We face the end with courage,” perfectly encapsulate her fearless spirit and Sevateem warrior ethos. Axton, played by Dushane Keogh-Grenade, recognizing the gravity of the threat, urges Leela to escape, presenting her with a wayfinder device. Despite Leela’s initial resistance, declaring she won’t flee from battle, Axton reveals the Doctor’s wish for her survival. This revelation deeply impacts Leela, underscoring the profound bond she shares with the Doctor and the importance he places on her future. Axton’s desperate plea, emphasizing that “Leela is the Doctor’s only hope for the future,” convinces her to consider retreat, just moments before he is tragically exterminated by a fleet of Daleks.
Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor looking directly at the viewer, wearing a brown hat and long, colorful scarf
Undeterred by the overwhelming Dalek force, Leela unleashes a powerful blast, obliterating her attackers. Picking up the wayfinder, she defiantly addresses the Daleks, identifying herself with pride as “Leela, Warrior of the Sevateem and of Gallifrey, friend of the Doctor.” Her powerful declaration, “While we live, your victory is short-lived,” resonates with her characteristic bravery and unwavering loyalty to the Doctor and his ideals. True to her warrior spirit, Leela sets her course and teleports, escaping the Dalek onslaught and making her way back to the familiar blue box.
The scene culminates with a bright light illuminating the interior of the TARDIS, where the Fourth Doctor, portrayed by the inimitable Tom Baker, looks up in surprise. Leela, the fierce warrior, has returned home, promising exciting adventures to come in the remastered Season 15 episodes.
Beyond the thrilling return of Leela in classic episodes, fans are also eager about the prospect of Louise Jameson reprising her role in contemporary Doctor Who. In a recent interview, Jameson expressed her enthusiastic desire to return to the series, but with a realistic and intriguing condition. Acknowledging the passage of time, Jameson stated, “I think you would absolutely have to take my age into account.” She envisions exploring Leela’s character at 70, emphasizing a desire to avoid extensive CGI and remain true to the character’s essence. Instead of a digitally de-aged Leela, Jameson is keen to portray Leela as she would be now, shaped by her extraordinary life experiences.
Jameson further elaborated on her vision for Leela’s future, imagining her as “having a football team of children” and evolving into “some kind of guru.” She highlighted the contrasting aspects of Leela’s character, appreciating both her intellectual development in some stories and her more visceral, primal side. Jameson expressed a particular interest in exploring Leela’s “hunting, shooting, fishing, morality side,” envisioning her as “a sort of touchstone of wisdom.” The prospect of Leela offering guidance and wisdom, informed by her unique journey from Sevateem warrior to companion of the Doctor, presents a compelling narrative opportunity for future Doctor Who storylines.
Adding to the excitement, Jameson voiced her admiration for the new Doctor and companion, expressing a wish for “a cameo in the new one.” Her eagerness to interact with the current era of Doctor Who underscores the enduring appeal of Leela and the character’s potential to bridge classic and contemporary aspects of the show.
For fans eager to relive Leela’s adventures alongside the Fourth Doctor, Doctor Who – The Collection: Season 15 is available for pre-order on Amazon now. This boxset promises newly remastered episodes, exclusive “Behind The Sofa” segments featuring past Doctor Who stars, and insightful audio commentaries, offering a comprehensive celebration of this beloved era of Doctor Who. Leela’s enduring popularity and Louise Jameson’s enthusiasm to revisit the role ensure that this warrior from Sevateem remains a vital and fascinating part of the Doctor Who legacy.
