Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter, holds a unique position in the expansive universe of Doctor Who. As the very first companion, she was instrumental in launching the series and introducing audiences to the wonders of time and space travel. Despite her foundational role, Susan often finds herself unfairly criticized and relegated to the less-favored corners of Doctor Who fandom. It’s time to re-examine the narrative surrounding Susan Foreman and appreciate her for the complex and crucial character she truly is. It’s surprising how rarely a strong defense for Susan is voiced, so let this be the start of a more appreciative perspective.
It’s disheartening to witness the negativity directed at Susan. Searching online forums and social media, one quickly encounters a barrage of criticism, often tagged not just with “Susan Foreman” or “Classic Who,” but even extending to “Carole Ann Ford,” the actress who brilliantly brought her to life. This level of animosity is reminiscent of the unwarranted hate directed at Martha Jones in later Doctor Who iterations. It begs the question: why is Susan, the Doctor’s own granddaughter, subjected to such harsh judgment? Carole Ann Ford herself left the series due to dissatisfaction with the shallow character development Susan received, highlighting that any shortcomings in Susan’s portrayal are rooted in writing choices, not the actress’s performance.
Susan Foreman, Doctor Who’s first companion, as seen in the inaugural episode “An Unearthly Child”, showcasing her youthful curiosity and alien origins.
A primary complaint against Susan is her tendency to scream. However, this criticism often lacks context and empathy. Susan was, after all, a young woman, thrust into terrifying and unfamiliar situations. Is it truly unreasonable to expect a 15-year-old, or whatever her actual age may be as a Time Lord, to react with fear when confronted by cavemen, Daleks, or other cosmic horrors? Imagine yourself in her shoes: facing alien landscapes, deadly creatures, and constant peril. Wouldn’t a scream escape your lips in moments of extreme terror or sudden shock? To label her “whiny” for expressing fear is to deny her a natural human (or Time Lord) reaction to extraordinary circumstances. Her tears are not signs of weakness, but rather expressions of genuine concern for her grandfather and her companions, Ian and Barbara. Is showing emotion a flaw? Should she be devoid of feeling in the face of danger?
To paint Susan solely as a screaming, helpless damsel is a gross misrepresentation of her character. Throughout her tenure, Susan demonstrated remarkable courage, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Let’s revisit some key moments that showcase her true capabilities:
- An Unearthly Child: In their very first adventure, it was Susan’s quick thinking that saved the day. Facing the primitive cavemen, she conceived the ingenious plan of using flaming skulls to create a diversion, enabling their escape from the cave. This wasn’t the act of a helpless character, but a display of cleverness under pressure.
Susan Foreman’s ingenious plan with flaming skulls, a pivotal moment in “An Unearthly Child” demonstrating her resourcefulness and quick thinking under duress.
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The Daleks: When radiation sickness incapacitated the Doctor and Barbara, and Ian was paralyzed, it was Susan who bravely volunteered to venture back into the dangerous Dalek city to retrieve vital anti-radiation drugs from the TARDIS. She navigated a dark and stormy forest, facing unknown threats, all to save her friends. This act of selflessness and bravery is often overlooked.
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The Daleks (Letter Scene): In another scene from the same serial, when captured by the Daleks and ordered to write a message to the Thals, Susan remained remarkably composed. She didn’t whine or panic; instead, she calmly complied, even managing a laugh at the Dalek’s pronunciation of her name. This scene reveals a surprising resilience and lack of fear in a terrifying situation.
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The Edge of Destruction (The Scissors Scene): This episode, confined entirely within the TARDIS, is a masterclass in tension. The infamous “scissors scene” highlights Susan’s heightened senses and connection to the TARDIS, showcasing her unique Time Lord abilities.
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Marco Polo (Friendship with Ping-Cho): Though sadly a lost episode visually, the surviving audio and stills reveal a heartwarming friendship between Susan and Ping-Cho. This demonstrates Susan’s capacity for connection and empathy with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
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The Keys of Marinus: Despite her fear, Susan bravely crawled across a treacherous, cracking ice bridge to guide her companions to safety. This act of courage in the face of intense fear is a testament to her inner strength.
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The Aztecs: Susan’s refusal to marry the Perfect Victim in this historical adventure demonstrates her strong will and independence. She defied societal expectations and asserted her own agency, a far cry from a passive damsel.
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The Sensorites: This serial truly highlights Susan’s unique Time Lord abilities. She exhibits telepathic powers, communicating with the Sensorites, and even defies the Doctor’s instructions, showing a burgeoning independence. When separated from the Doctor and Ian, Susan and Barbara exhibit remarkable composure and even combine their mental strength to overpower the Sensorites – a powerful display of female solidarity and strength. Furthermore, Susan nurses the ailing Ian, personally administering the antidote – a caring and proactive role.
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The Dalek Invasion of Earth: Susan’s burgeoning romance with David Campbell signifies her growth and maturity. As the Doctor himself acknowledges, she is becoming “a fine young woman.” Her capacity for love and connection is a vital part of her character development.
The accusation that Susan is a “boring character” is subjective and often stems from a superficial understanding of her role. Her quiet intelligence, her loyalty, and her inherent alien mystery are compelling aspects of her personality. To dismiss her as simply “annoying and whiny” is to ignore her depth and nuance. Susan’s kindness and loyalty to the Doctor, Ian, and Barbara are consistent and admirable traits. Her friendship with Ping-Cho offered a glimpse into her empathetic nature and ability to connect with others.
Crucially, Susan is the catalyst for the entire Doctor Who narrative as we know it. It was her unusual nature and advanced intellect that piqued the curiosity of Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, leading them to follow her home and stumble upon the TARDIS. Without Susan, there would be no Ian and Barbara, and arguably, no Doctor Who as we know it. Her origins remain shrouded in mystery – what happened to her parents? What is her real name? How did she and the Doctor become exiles? These unanswered questions contribute to her intrigue, making her a far more fascinating character than she is often given credit for.
Carole Ann Ford’s portrayal of Susan Foreman brought depth and nuance to Doctor Who’s first companion, capturing her alien nature and youthful vulnerability.
The ridiculous notion that hating Susan stems from the idea that “the Doctor once loved someone other than Rose and/or River” is baffling. Susan is his granddaughter, his family. The Doctor is capable of love in many forms, and his relationship with Susan is fundamentally different from his romantic entanglements. To begrudge Susan’s existence based on shipping preferences is a shallow and illogical criticism. Similarly, the absurd claim that Susan was “trying to steal Ian from Barbara” in “The Sensorites” completely misreads the situation. Susan was caring for an ill companion, a natural act of compassion, not a romantic pursuit.
Ultimately, disliking a character due to writing flaws or personal preference is valid. However, reducing Susan Foreman to a mere caricature of a “whiny, screaming damsel” is a disservice to her character and her importance to Doctor Who history. While acknowledging that Susan’s character development could have been richer, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate her inherent strengths: her kindness, loyalty, intelligence, and the intriguing mystery that surrounds her. Let’s move beyond the simplistic criticisms and celebrate Susan Foreman for the vital and compelling character she truly is – Doctor Who’s groundbreaking first companion who deserves far more love and respect.
