Doctor Who and his companions are an iconic duo, a pairing that has defined the show for six decades. While the Doctor is undoubtedly capable on his own, the companion role provides a crucial dynamic, offering a relatable human perspective as they explore the vastness of time and space. However, throughout Doctor Who‘s long history, not all companions have been equally embraced by fans. Melanie Bush, or Mel, who joined the TARDIS in 1986, quickly became one of the more divisive figures. Initially conceived as a computer genius, Bonnie Langford’s portrayal led to a character often perceived as overly emotional and immature. Yet, her return to Doctor Who in 2022 presented a unique opportunity to redefine her legacy. With a fresh perspective and evolved persona, audiences are now eager to see what Mel Bush brings to the Doctor Who universe moving forward.
Who Is Melanie Bush in Doctor Who?
- Mel’s full name, Melanie Bush, was rarely mentioned in the original Doctor Who television episodes, primarily appearing in Big Finish audio dramas.
- Despite initial plans for Mel to continue into Season 25, Bonnie Langford decided to conclude Mel’s arc earlier.
- Even as a child, Mel exhibited remarkable intelligence, memorizing the names of 150 dinosaurs by the age of nine.
Melanie Bush holds a significant place in Doctor Who history, notably as a companion who witnessed the regeneration of multiple Doctors. Her introduction came during Trial of a Time Lord, a season-long arc focusing on the Sixth Doctor’s trial on Gallifrey. Although present for the Sixth Doctor’s regeneration into the Seventh, Mel was unfortunately incapacitated by radiation and missed the actual event. She subsequently traveled extensively with the Seventh Doctor, alongside beloved companions like Ace, facing a myriad of intergalactic threats.
Despite her consistent presence during a pivotal era of the show, Mel Bush initially struggled to gain favor with contemporary audiences. She was often criticized as a “damsel in distress,” with storylines frequently focusing on her perceived hysterical reactions rather than the central conflict. While characterized as a skilled computer programmer, Mel was ironically seldom allowed to interact with the TARDIS console, hindering her ability to showcase her technical expertise. Throughout the late 1980s, Mel Bush became somewhat typecast as a character who detracted from, rather than enhanced, the narratives and the impact of other companions.
However, Mel’s story didn’t end with her televised departure. Her character underwent a significant transformation through Big Finish audio dramas. Here, Melanie Bush evolved beyond the stereotypical portrayal, emerging as a resourceful, brave, and deeply empathetic companion. This revitalized characterization carried over into the 2020s when Bonnie Langford reprised her role in The Power of the Doctor. Mel Bush’s re-entry into the Doctor Who canon solidified her evolution from a somewhat one-dimensional companion to a compelling and independent force within the Doctor Who universe.
Why Was Mel Bush Initially Controversial as a Doctor Who Companion?
Notable Members of Melanie Bush’s Family
| Name | Relation |
|---|---|
| Christine Bush | Mother |
| Alan Bush | Father |
| Anabel Bush | Sister |
| Ben Heyworth | Husband |
| Stuart Dale | Ex-Boyfriend |
Beyond her perceived over-dramatic tendencies, Mel Bush’s character also seemed to embody certain outdated tropes. She was sometimes seen as overly reliant on her male counterparts and prone to theatrical reactions, which felt out of sync even with 1980s audiences. A prime example is in “Time and the Rani,” the first episode of Season 24, where Mel, trapped in a precarious bubble device and falling off a cliff, reacts with prolonged screaming and flailing. While fear is a natural response, the intensity and duration of Mel’s reaction were often seen as excessive. This contrasted sharply with later, more contemporary companions. For instance, companions like Yasmin Khan, when facing danger, embody a more proactive approach, even asking themselves “What Would The Doctor Do?”. Even after the bubble lands safely in water, Mel’s dramatic reaction continues, further cementing the perception of her as overly sensitive or fragile.
Another instance highlighting this perception is in “Dragonfire,” episode four of Season 24. Confronted by a fearsome dragon, Mel’s immediate response is, again, screaming and wailing. Interestingly, Ace, despite being considerably younger (around 17 years old), displays significantly more composure and bravery in the same situation. This contrast often positioned Mel as the character reacting irrationally, while the Doctor and other companions took on the responsibility of saving the day. These recurring portrayals contributed to the contemporary audience’s discomfort and inadvertently labeled Mel as a somewhat weak or “soft” companion.
Mel Bush: From Critiqued Classic Companion to Modern Doctor Who Favorite
Top 5 Best Mel Bush Episodes
- Season 23, Episode 1, “Terror of the Vervoids”
- Season 24, Episode 2, “Paradise Towers”
- “Dimensions in Time”
- Season 23, Episode 3, “Delta and the Bannermen’
- Season 14, Episode 8, “Empire of Death”
Despite the initial negative reception, Mel Bush’s character arc has undergone a remarkable and positive transformation over time. Since her return to Doctor Who in 2022, Mel has taken on a significant role at UNIT as a computer programmer. This career choice is a clever nod to her original characterization as a tech whiz, but this time, her skills are actively utilized and valued. In Season 14, Episode 7, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,” Mel is entrusted with the crucial task of monitoring the enigmatic Susan Triad. This portrayal is a far cry from the damsel in distress; Mel is now a competent professional, taking on serious responsibilities independently. This newfound agency and responsibility have breathed new life into the classic companion.
Mel’s evolved sense of purpose is further evident in Season 14, Episode 8, “Empire of Death.” As the Suketh threatens global annihilation with a deadly dust cloud, Mel takes decisive action, providing the Doctor with a scooter ride through London. This scene, showcasing Mel confidently navigating a vintage scooter amidst a crisis, dramatically shifts audience perception. It effectively dismantles the earlier image of a helpless companion, replacing it with a portrayal of Mel as proactive, resourceful, and even daring. She is actively working to save the Doctor and the world, moving far beyond the limitations of her initial characterization. While some of the earlier criticisms of Mel Bush may have stemmed from underlying misogynistic biases, it is undeniable that Melanie Bush has evolved into a strong, capable, and inspiring character, ultimately becoming a celebrated example of a modern Doctor Who companion.
Will Mel Bush Continue Her Adventures in Doctor Who?
- The name “Melanie Bush” was inspired by Shepherd’s Bush, a London area that was once home to the BBC Television Centre.
- To celebrate his 991st birthday, the Sixth Doctor treated Mel to a visit to the Royal Albion Hotel in Brighton.
- Mel often attempted to put the Sixth Doctor on a health-conscious diet, but he would secretly indulge in cake and other sweets.
Bonnie Langford’s undeniable talent and infectious enthusiasm were always key elements of Mel Bush’s character, regardless of fan reception. Whether audiences initially loved or disliked her, Mel has been intrinsically linked to significant Doctor Who storylines, cementing her status as a vital part of the show’s expansive canon.
With her successful return to the series and continued involvement in Big Finish audio dramas, it strongly suggests that Mel Bush’s journey with Doctor Who is far from over. Speculation around a UNIT spin-off series further fuels the possibility of Mel taking a central role, leading UNIT on new and exciting missions. Regardless of the specifics of her future appearances, it’s clear that fan sentiment towards Melanie Bush has shifted dramatically. She is no longer viewed as a problematic figure from Doctor Who‘s past, but rather welcomed back as a valued and integral part of its present and future.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who
The continuing adventures through time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and his companions from Earth.
**Created by** Sydney NewmanFirst TV Show Doctor Who
Latest TV Show Doctor Who: The Complete David Tennant
First Episode Air Date November 23, 1963
Latest Episode Wild Blue Yonder (2023)
TV Show(s) Doctor Who, Doctor Who: Pond Life, Doctor Who: Scream of the Shalka, Doctor Who: The Matt Smith Collection, Doctor Who: The Complete David Tennant, Doctor Who: The Peter Capaldi Collection, Doctor Who: The Jodie Whitaker Collection, Doctor Who: The Christopher Eccleston & David Tennant Collection
