Back in the mid-2010s, while the internet debated dress colors and pop bands dominated the charts, a younger generation of Doctor Who fans was experiencing a different kind of drama. For many, including myself in my early teens, 2015 meant saying goodbye to Clara Oswald, the Doctor’s companion who had become a firm favorite – and a source of considerable debate.
For those unfamiliar, Doctor Who is a cornerstone of British science fiction television, a BBC production that has captivated audiences for decades. The series centers on the Doctor, a Time Lord from Gallifrey, and their adventures across time and space, usually alongside a human companion. What sets Doctor Who apart is its ever-evolving cast. Companions come and go, and even the Doctor themselves regenerates into a new incarnation every few years. This constant state of flux is key to the show’s enduring appeal and longevity, spanning over sixty years.
However, with such a rich history, Doctor Who has inevitably courted controversy. In recent times, discussions have revolved around Russell T. Davies’ return as showrunner and the polarizing “timeless child” storyline. But rewind further, and you’ll find another significant point of contention: Clara Oswald.
Clara’s arrival in the TARDIS midway through Series 7 marked the beginning of her tenure and, simultaneously, the start of heated debates among fans. Many viewers, myself included initially, felt that Clara was underdeveloped. Her character seemed secondary to a convoluted mystery surrounding her multiple incarnations across time. The romantic undertones with the Doctor felt forced, and crucially, she lacked independent goals or a clear identity outside of her adventures. Coupled with what some consider weaker writing in Series 7 overall, many fans struggled to connect with Clara.
Clara Oswald in Doctor Who Series 7, portrayed by Jenna Coleman, standing next to the TARDIS in a mysterious setting.
Image from Conversationsabouther.net
But Series 8 brought a transformative shift. Peter Capaldi’s portrayal of the Doctor introduced a more complex, less immediately likeable, and arguably more alien Time Lord. This change was pivotal for Clara. She was no longer confined to the role of a generic love interest or simply a wide-eyed observer. Series 8 gave Clara depth. We saw her as a teacher, navigating a relationship with Danny Pink, and grappling with an increasing addiction to the thrill and danger of time travel.
While some corners of the fanbase remained unconvinced, Series 8 is where Clara Oswald truly clicked for me and many others. She evolved into what I believe is one of the most compelling and unique characters in Doctor Who history.
Historically, Doctor Who companions have often followed a narrative archetype akin to the Sherlock Holmes and Watson dynamic. The Doctor, much like Holmes, is the brilliant, eccentric genius, while companions, like Watson, serve as audience surrogates, grounding the fantastical elements with relatable human emotions and perspectives. Companions were typically there to be amazed by the Doctor, not to challenge him on an intellectual or moral level.
Clara Oswald shattered this mold.
She transcended the typical companion role, evolving into a character who stood on equal footing with the Doctor. This is what makes Clara so remarkable. She began to challenge the Doctor in unprecedented ways, famously demonstrated by her powerful confrontation in “Kill the Moon” and her morally ambiguous actions in the Series 8 finale, “Death in Heaven.” Their relationship felt like a genuine, complex friendship, marked by mutual respect and deep affection, but also by unhealthy co-dependence and a willingness to push each other to extremes. This intricate dynamic, explored further in Series 9, ultimately led to their poignant and tragic separation in “Hell Bent.”
Clara Oswald and the Twelfth Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, in a scene from Doctor Who Series 8, showcasing their complex relationship.
Image from Screenrant.com
Is Clara Oswald a perfect character? Certainly not. She is arguably a repeat offender of the “everybody lives” trope, and her character arc is punctuated by several perceived “final” exits from the show. However, despite these narrative quirks and occasional missteps, Clara Oswald achieved something truly special. She became, at least for a significant portion of the Doctor Who audience, an unforgettable and deeply impactful part of the show’s legacy. Her journey from the initially criticized “Impossible Girl” to a complex, flawed, and ultimately heroic figure is a testament to character development and the willingness of Doctor Who to break its own established rules.
Image from Screenrant.com
