reader response question!
So, when asked who their favorite companion (other than Rose DUH) was, a certain friend of mine answered this way:
I like Astrid from the Christmas special, I wish she could have been a companion... I liked Astrid just because of the sheer simplicity and honesty of her character. It was obvious from the beginning of the episode that she was going to die, which is unfortunate. But it would have been cool to see someone who I think would cry in tragic situation and have strong emotions. It would make her much easier to connect to then people who seem above it all (Not saying that all other companions are above it all, but there is not much strong emotion from anyone but the Doctor usually).
I also like Astrid and that Christmas special a lot, which I know isn't an often-shared opinion, but that's not the point of this entry. The point is that I'm curious now; would you guys agree that the Doctor is often much more emotional than his companions? Are some of the companions kind of cold, and is that okay?
(I think part of this answer is because lately this person has been watching s5, and only in US time, and up til VatD I do think Amy is a pretty cold companion. Also this person hasn't yet watched past the first couple episodes of s4. Also this person was kind of surprised to hear that between episodes the Doctor and the companions do lots of, like, happy and non-life-threatening traveling.)
Also happy independence day, American friends! Hope you all get to see lots of good fireworks! I freaking love fireworks.