Part of the appeal of Doctor Who is the likelihood of meeting familiar faces once again. Even if they’re stuck in a parallel universe or meet an untimely end (repeatedly), that doesn’t mean that a reunion is out of the question. While companions are known to pop in and out occasionally, this is especially true of villains.
Unfortunately, this definitely has a downside: with each appearance, the Weeping Angels make less and less sense and are losing their fangs as a result. Similarly, the Daleks have reappeared and been defeated so many times that they are no longer truly menacing. But while there have been a few missteps, Doctor Who has had some truly great villains that would be the perfect foils for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor or any upcoming regenerations.
Some previous monsters like the Silence and the Vashta Nerada are so perfectly frightening that it would be a shame to mess with them, but the return of others would be truly thrilling. Let’s take a look at some of the classic Doctor Who villains who should get another shot, and sound off in the comments on which ones you would like to see return.
The Krillitane
On top of being the catalyst for a charming reunion between the Doctor and Sarah Jane (and K-9!), the Krillitane were one of the villainous highlights of season 2. While brainwashing schoolchildren with poisonous chips and leeching their brains for information and turning them essentially into computer processors, the Krillitane were creepy, powerful, and preyed on viewers mistrust of authority. While the splendid Anthony Head probably wouldn’t be able to make another appearance, this ever-evolving species was definitely one to thrive and move on to a new spot. Side note: Physics.
The Judoon
The Judoon platoon upon the moon served as an excellent backdrop to the introduction of Martha Jones (totally underrated) as the new companion, and these war machines have been gone from the Who-niverse for too long. These logically minded enforcers were basically replaced by the equally militaristic Sontarans in later episodes, but their inability to reason made them a bit more menacing. Additionally, with the expanded role of Drax as a hero and sidekick, the Sontarans have lost their bite anyway. Let’s see if Capaldi can handle these rhino aliens with as much aplomb as Tennant.
The Creature
The unnamed creature in “Midnight” is one of the most chilling in new Who history for the fact that the Doctor never actually figured out what it was. After finding its way onto the shuttle tour of the seemingly uninhabitable planet Midnight, it took over the body of one of the passengers and eventually the Doctor himself by stealing their voices and eventually their minds. While the mimicry starts out child-like, it eventually takes on a more sinister nature as it gets more and more intuitive. After the heroic stewardess sacrifices herself to save the rest of the passengers from the growing threat, there is no guarantee that the monster was destroyed. The Doctor was visibly shaken after this encounter, so a final showdown with one of the threats that he couldn’t overcome would be worth watching.
The Valeyard
Fan theories were at an all time high before the 50th Anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor, and before John Hurt was revealed to be the War Doctor, many thought that the legendary actor would be portraying the infamous Valeyard. Essentially the darker side of the Doctor’s coin, the Valeyard would be a formidable foe for the Doctor to face again. It is always interesting for the Doctor to face off with villains that are basically dark visions of himself, like his brush with the Dream Lord. While it is unlikely that the Valeyard would come back in the same form, some version could still appear in future seasons.
Sister of Mine
Evil kids are always creepy. Evil kids hellbent on revenge? Extra creepy. The season 4 villains the Family of Blood are some of the all time greats, and the vengeance that the Doctor unleashed on them is some of the cruelest in his history. While Tennant could do charming so well, some of his finest moments were ones of quiet rage. As he silently dispatches the Family to separate hells, he traps Sister of Mine in every mirror, dooming her to a life of solitude. However, there is potential for her return if she were somehow to escape and seek revenge for the destruction of her family. Who knew a red balloon could be so sinister?
The Sycorax
The Sycorax terrorized London in David Tennant’s first Christmas special, and after the destruction of their ship and genocide of their people at the hands of Harriet Jones and Torchwood, it makes sense that they would want revenge. Ten told Martha that the superstitious and hearty race survived the end of the universe, and they were one of the races that trapped the Eleventh Doctor in the Pandorica. They certainly have plenty of reasons to hate the Doctor and his beloved humans, so these terrifying monsters should definitely make an overdue return to the show.
The Rani
Fans had initially speculated that the enigmatic Missy from season 8 would be revealed to be The Rani, but were instead treated to a new version of The Master. While the Rani was better in concept than execution, an amoral scientific genius could be just what the recent, crankier Doctor needs to inspire a tiny bit of gentleness. When reminded of what a renegade Time Lord can become, the Doctor is always inspired to become his best self. While they may have missed the mark with Missy, there is always hope that the Rani could return in a different form.
The Absorbaloff
Kidding! Never again. Ever.
