63 Years Ago Today, Doctor Who Lost Its First Companion With a Promise That Still Hasn’t Been Fulfilled

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Doctor Who, the longest-running science fiction show on television, has evolved significantly over the years. A key to its enduring popularity is the concept of ‘regeneration,’ which allows the show to recast its lead actor without disrupting the story. Each time the Doctor regenerates – originally called a ‘renewal’ – it’s a fresh start for the series. However, the show was always designed to change; this pattern began as early as December 26, 1964, even before the first actor, William Hartnell, was replaced by Patrick Troughton.

I first fell in love with the Doctor and his companions way back when it all began! It was William Hartnell as the Doctor, and he traveled with his granddaughter Susan, played by Carole Ann Ford, along with two teachers, Barbara Wright and Ian Chesterton, brilliantly portrayed by Jacqueline Hill and William Russell. I remember being completely captivated by how it all started – Ian and Barbara were so curious about Susan, this incredibly unusual student, that they ended up accidentally discovering the TARDIS! The Doctor, understandably wanting to keep everything a secret, whisked them away on an incredible journey through time and space, and that really set the stage for everything that followed. But then, in 1964, everything shifted, and the show took a new direction.

The Doctor Said Goodbye to his First Companion

“The Dalek Invasion of Earth” is remembered as one of the most ambitious stories in Doctor Who‘s early years, and it greatly contributed to the widespread “Dalekmania” sweeping Britain in the 1960s. The six-part adventure concluded on Boxing Day, December 26th, 1964, with a poignant moment: the Doctor discovered his granddaughter, Susan, was torn between her feelings for a rebel leader and her loyalty to him. Knowing she wouldn’t leave him willingly, the Doctor made the difficult choice to send her away.

Susan wasn’t the first companion to leave the Doctor for a romantic relationship, but her departure is unique in the history of Doctor Who. She wasn’t just a friend or helper; she was family – the Doctor’s own granddaughter. Their relationship had been shifting, with Susan becoming more self-sufficient and the Doctor realizing she deserved her own life. He ultimately made the difficult decision to let her go, firmly locking the TARDIS doors to prevent her from returning.

The Doctor’s goodbye included a hopeful promise: “I’ll be back someday,” he told Susan. But secretly, neither of them believed him. He hadn’t yet mastered the TARDIS, so he couldn’t guarantee he’d ever return. Susan quietly left the TARDIS key on the ground, a silent acknowledgment that she didn’t expect to see the familiar blue box again. The Doctor’s words were meant to offer comfort, but they both understood it was a comforting lie.

Susan Would Return to Doctor Who – But in a Surprising Way

Susan unexpectedly returned in November 1963 as part of a special anniversary episode of Doctor Who. “The Five Doctors” brought together multiple versions of the Doctor, kidnapped from different points in time by a rogue Time Lord. He trapped them on Gallifrey’s deadly Death Zone, along with some of their past companions, creating a memorable celebration of the show’s 20th anniversary by reuniting beloved characters.

Carole Anne Ford reprised her role as an older Susan, but a new actor, Richard Hurndall, played the First Doctor after William Hartnell’s passing. The show didn’t delve into Susan’s life after she left, instead briefly bringing her back for individual stories rather than developing a long-term narrative. It was established that Susan was a true Time Lord, as she recognized the process of regeneration. However, this felt like an unfulfilled potential, and Susan was ultimately sent back to her own time.

Doctor Who Just Missed a Chance to Finish Susan’s Story

Susan, the Doctor’s very first companion, recently reappeared in the show with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, though briefly and in a somewhat confusing way. While she was hinted at throughout the two seasons and even appeared in a quick vision offering advice, the show’s creator, Russell T. Davies, unexpectedly removed her from the storyline in the season finale. This decision felt jarring and ultimately prevented a potentially satisfying return for a beloved character, disappointing many fans.

It now seems unlikely that the Doctor’s promise will ever come true. The recent seasons with Ncuti Gatwa focused heavily on referencing past storylines and details, but the next showrunner will probably prioritize attracting new viewers instead of catering only to longtime fans. As a result, it’s doubtful Carole Ann Ford will be able to return as Susan, leaving her original farewell in 1964 as a particularly poignant moment.

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2025-12-27 01:43