h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The hand grew into a new doctor.

Thanks.
~jwf~

> think retired is nearer the mark, based on the events shown in the drama.<

Well maybe; what was clear to me was that he didn't *want* to leave, I had always assumed he had stepped aside to retire himself or seek bigger and better things as actors are often wont to do.

If he was doing 48 weeks a year for 3 years, he would have had to retire just to get a proper break. I imagine it would have been nearly impossible to keep up with a chronic illness.

Regarding the hand becoming a second doctor, technically it wasn't a Time Lord. The new 'Doctor' only had one heart and couldn't regenerate. I think it was part human, because Donna Noble was involved in kicking off the regeneration. He was left behind with Rose Tyler because, unlike the Doctor, he was mortal and had a human life-span. As he had the same memories and feelings as the Doctor, it was the only way they could be together.

I sometimes wonder how it worked out, whether Rose thought she'd got second best, for example.

Yeah... the real Doctor woulda sent two Valentine's cards.

~jwf~

As a supplementary question, do we know who was the longest serving companion? I'm guessing it will be Sarah Jane Smith, but that's just a guess.


Geggs

Hmm.... good question, and a good guess too. Anyone know?

I think you're right, according to this infographic: http://geektyrant.com/news/2011/12/20/timeline-of-doctor-who-infographic.html

I was surprised it wasn't K-9.

And disappointed too. Let's face it, he was the only one in the entire series that could act.

The longest serving companion might have been Jamie with 115 episodes then Lethbridge-Stewart with 105 (who was more of a continuing third party rather than a companion). Sarah Jane had 85.

I didn't count them - I read it on the internet: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/11/14/doctor_who_data_companions_experiences/

I'll give El Reg their dues, their articles are almost always really well researched

Id you apply the McGann logic of durability Sarah Jane wins though doesn't she? She served from John Pertwee all the way up to Matt Smith.