Left untended, and with inspiration from one of our favorite (and most playfully argumentative) convention panel “games”, we establish a single-elimination competition among those who are not ‘categorical’ companions of the Doctor.

Random bracket pairings make for some wholly awkward and challenging decisions for us, as we choose the advancing character based on their importance to the overall Doctor Who storyline, our personal desire to see them return to screen, and who the Doctor themself would choose if both competitors were in a situation of mortal peril.

We break through the quarterfinals in this installment, lovingly whittling eight dear friends down to four (to challenge one another in an upcoming episode). Your predictions are most welcome!