Total Sci-Fi released their list of female characters who have left their mark on science fiction TV and movies. While all the obvious choices made the list (Ellen Ripley, Buffy Summers, Dana Scully, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman), it was fantastic to see two of Doctor Who’s most popular companions make the list. Rose Tyler, who traveled with the 9th and 10th Doctors came in at #7, while Sarah Jane Smith, companion for the 3rd and 4th Doctors, ranked #20.
Rose Tyler was the perfect companion for Doctor #9 by helping him rediscover his humanity and compassion, both buried deep after the events of the Time War. Her natural chemistry with David Tennant’s Doctor was certainly one of the highlights of Series 2, making for one of the all-time great season endings. But I don’t think Rose Tyler could have existed without Sarah Jane Smith who redefined the companion role during her years traveling with the Doctor. As portrayed by Elisabeth Sladen, Sarah Jane was resourceful and strong willed, never afraid to take charge, even if that meant putting the Doctor in his place. When Sarah Jane returned to the new series in “School Reunion”, the Doctor’s reaction to seeing her is probably how fans felt upon seeing their favorite companion.
Oh and here’s the top ten women of sci-fi
- ELLEN RIPLEY (Sigourney Weaver, Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien Resurrection)
- BUFFY SUMMERS (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- STARBUCK (Katee Sackhoff, Battlestar Galactica)
- DANA SCULLY (Gillian Anderson, The X-Files)
- SARAH CONNOR (Linda Hamilton, Terminator, T2)
- PRINCESS LEIA ORGANA (Carrie Fisher, Star Wars)
- ROSE TYLER (Billie Piper, Doctor Who)
- SAM CARTER (Amanda Tapping, Stargate SG-1)
- NYOTA UHURA (Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek)
- LEELOO (Milla Jovovich, The Fifth Element)
Click here to see the rest of Total Sci-Fi’s important women of sci-fi TV and movies.
