Doctor Who: 13 Best Characters Of The Original RTD Era, Ranked
Doctor Who is a show with a rich tapestry of characters that almost outshines the wibbly-wobbly time-travel aspects of the series. During the original Russell T. Davies (RTD) era, from 2005 to 2010, audiences were introduced to a fresh and modern take on the Doctor and his companions, while also encountering numerous memorable supporting characters. Here we rank the 13 best characters from Davies’ tenure on the beloved sci-fi show.
1.The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) –With his energetic portrayal, emotional depth, and unforgettable catchphrases like “Allons-y,” Tennant’s Doctor is often a fan favorite.
2.Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) –The first companion of the reboot series, Rose’s humanity and growth into a true defender of Earth captured viewers’ hearts.
3.Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) –The charming Captain Jack with his immortal status and pansexual representation was groundbreaking for TV at that time.
4.Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) –A beloved companion known for her wit and fiery spirit, Donna brought humor and heart to the series in equal measure.
5.Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) –A clever and resilient medical student, Martha’s journey showed her overcoming unrequited love to become a hero in her own right.
6.Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins) –Donna’s grandfather stole scenes with his lovable personality and had an incredibly emotional connection with the Tenth Doctor.
7.The Master (John Simm) –As the Doctor’s archnemesis, Simm delivered a manic and engaging performance that brought a new dimension to the age-old rivalry.
8.Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen)-Already an icon from the classic series, Sarah Jane’s appearance left a lasting impact that even led to her own spin-off series.
9.Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke-Initially seen as comic relief, Mickey evolved into a brave fighter for Earth who stood toe-to-toe with alien threats.
10Jackie Tyler (Camille Coduri) –Rose’s mother provided much of the show’s humor but also moments of profound realism as she dealt with her daughter’s dangerous adventures.
11.Dalek Sec (voiced by Nicholas Briggs) –In ‘Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of the Daleks,’ this character displayed one of Doctor Who’s boldest narrative moves: humanizing a Dalek.
12.Lady Cassandra (Zoë Wanamaker) –The “last human” character offered both satirical commentary on society’s obsession with beauty and some unexpected touching moments.
13.Harriet Jones (Penelope Wilton) –Known for regularly introducing herself as “Harriet Jones, Prime Minister,” this character won admiration for showing political leadership during several alien invasions.
Characters like River Song and Rory Williams would later become pivotal figures in the show but fell outside of RTD’s original run. The original RTD era remains significant in shaping modern ‘Doctor Who’ and its remarkable cast of characters ensures its enduring popularity among fans worldwide.