Portrayed by: Mark Strickson
Doctor(s): Fifth Doctor
Tenure: 10 stories (33 episodes), from Mawdryn Undead (Feb, 1983) to Planet of Fire (March, 1984)
Background: Vislor Turlough is from the planet of Trion but, after a civil war there, he becomes a political exile. Stuck on the frustratingly primitive (to him) Earth of the 20th century (at the school where the currently retired Brigadier is working), he takes up the Black Guardian on his offer to take Turlough home if he’ll kill the Doctor. More about Turlough’s past is revealed throughout his run, before he leaves in Planet of Fire to return to his family and home world.
Family/Friends: Turlough has a father and a brother who he is eventually reunited with and we find out his mother passed away in the civil war that led to his exile. Otherwise, we know very little about his family. Though they are initially at odds, Turlough eventually develops a friendly, almost sibling-like relationship with fellow Companion Tegan.
Personality: In a departure for Companions, Turlough is very selfish and cowardly when he’s introduced. He’s a potential antagonist so for at least his first three stories, the Black Guardian Trilogy, he’s not intended to be trustworthy or particularly honorable. He grows tremendously during his tenure, however, becoming a steadfast ally of the Doctor and friend to his fellow Companions. He’s a survivor, but he also grows to be quite brave and selfless.
Special Skills: Cunning, ability to lie convincingly (to everyone but Tegan and the Brigadier), underlying morality, limited ability to operate the TARDIS (though not fly it)
Best Story: Planet of Fire gives Turlough several opportunities to shine as a Companion and also fills in several gaps in his backstory
Worst Story: Frontios, despite an interesting premise and some terrifying moments, doesn’t really work.
Highlights of tenure: Making the right choice in Enlightenment, saving Peri and stepping up to help his people in Planet of Fire
Lowlights of tenure: Much of Turlough’s run, particularly his early stories, see him going back and forth in his loyalties to the Doctor and the Black Guardian and this gets tiresome rather quickly
Memorable quotes:
“What is it about Earth people that makes them think a futile gesture is a noble one?” Warriors of the Deep
“You must survive, Doctor. Too many of your enemies will delight in your death” The Caves of Androzani
Other notes: Turlough is not only the last male Companion of the classic series, he’s also the last non-human Companion of the classic series. After his departure, the show shifted much more closely to the Doctor/one human (usually contemporary) female Companion dynamic that has dominated the modern series.