Ben Jackson
Encyclopedia
Benjamin "Ben" Jackson is a fictional character played by Michael Craze
in the long-running British
science fiction television
series Doctor Who
. A seaman in the Royal Navy
from 1966, he was a companion
of the First
and Second Doctor
s and a regular in the programme from 1966 to 1967.
, when he meets Polly
and Dodo
in a London
nightclub called the Inferno. As an Able Seaman
serving in the Royal Navy
, aboard HMS Teazer
, Ben is feeling depressed and angry because he has a six month shore posting while his ship is deployed to the West Indies, but Polly and Dodo try to cheer him up. When Polly is accosted by another patron in the Inferno, Ben comes to her rescue. Eventually, Ben and Polly aid the Doctor
in his fight against the rogue artificial intelligence
known as WOTAN. Afterward, Ben and Polly are the bearers of the news of Dodo's decision to stay in 1966 to the Doctor, and accidentally get carried away in the TARDIS
when they try to return Dodo's key to the time machine
.
Ben is a salt of the Earth kind of fellow, dependable, faithful, but prone to be suspicious when kept in the dark or not understanding what was going on. He is very attached to Polly, considering her posh, giving her the nickname of "Duchess" and appointing himself as both her protector and that of the Doctor's. He is present with Polly when the First Doctor regenerates into the Second, and continues to travel with the Second Doctor.
Eventually, the TARDIS finds its way back to 1966 London (in The Faceless Ones
) on the very day Ben and Polly had left (although about a year had passed for them). They decide to remain behind to resume their lives without disruption as the Doctor and Jamie
travel on.
What happens to Ben after his return to Earth
is not certain. The Doctor seems to think that Ben will become an Admiral
and that Polly will look after Ben, but it is unclear if this is a prediction or simply wishing them well.
Ben is mentioned by Sarah Jane Smith in Death of the Doctor
as working with Polly in India "running an orphanage there."
and a vision of Ben is seen along with every other companion aside from Leela
on the scanner screen in Resurrection of the Daleks
.
short story "Mondas Passing" by Paul Grice (in the anthology Short Trips) which takes place in 1986, it is revealed that Ben and Polly have gone their separate ways and married other people. Ben meets a divorced Polly again with the help of the Second Doctor in 1999 ("That Time I Nearly Destroyed The World Whilst Looking For a Dress" by Joseph Lidster, published in Short Trips: Past Tense
), where the two admit their love for each other. The canonicity of the spin offs is unclear.
Season 4
Past Doctor Adventures
Telos Doctor Who novellas
Michael Craze
Michael Craze was a British actor noted for his role of Ben Jackson, a companion of the Doctor, in the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who. He played the part from 1966 to 1967 alongside both William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton.Craze was born in Cornwall...
in the long-running British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
science fiction television
Science fiction on television
Science fiction first appeared on a television program during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Special effects and other production techniques allow creators to present a living visual image of an imaginary world not limited by the constraints of reality; this makes television an excellent medium...
series Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
. A seaman in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
from 1966, he was a companion
Companion (Doctor Who)
In the long-running BBC television science fiction programme Doctor Who and related works, the term "companion" refers to a character who travels with, and shares the adventures of the Doctor. In most Doctor Who stories, the primary companion acts as both deuteragonist and audience surrogate...
of the First
First Doctor
The First Doctor is the initial incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by the actor William Hartnell from 1963 to 1966. Hartnell reprised the role in the tenth anniversary story The Three Doctors in 1973 - albeit in a...
and Second Doctor
Second Doctor
The Second Doctor is the second incarnation of the protagonist of the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by character actor Patrick Troughton....
s and a regular in the programme from 1966 to 1967.
Character history
Ben first appears in the First Doctor serial The War MachinesThe War Machines
The War Machines is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in 4 weekly parts from 25 June to 16 July 1966...
, when he meets Polly
Polly (Doctor Who)
Polly is a fictional character played by Anneke Wills in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. A young woman from the year 1966, she was a companion of the First and Second Doctors and a regular in the programme from 1966 to 1967.-Character history:Polly first...
and Dodo
Dodo Chaplet
Dorothea "Dodo" Chaplet is a fictional character played by Jackie Lane in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. An Earth teenager from the year 1966, she was a companion of the First Doctor and a regular in the programme in its third season, from February to July,...
in a London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
nightclub called the Inferno. As an Able Seaman
Able Seaman (rank)
In the British Royal Navy in the middle of the 18th century, the term able seaman referred to a seaman with at least two years' experience at sea...
serving in the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, aboard HMS Teazer
HMS Teazer (R23)
HMS Teazer was a T-class destroyer of the British Royal Navy that saw service during World War II. She was later converted to a Type 16 fast anti-submarine frigate, with the new pennant number F23....
, Ben is feeling depressed and angry because he has a six month shore posting while his ship is deployed to the West Indies, but Polly and Dodo try to cheer him up. When Polly is accosted by another patron in the Inferno, Ben comes to her rescue. Eventually, Ben and Polly aid the Doctor
Doctor (Doctor Who)
The Doctor is the central character in the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who, and has also featured in two cinema feature films, a vast range of spin-off novels, audio dramas and comic strips connected to the series....
in his fight against the rogue artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
known as WOTAN. Afterward, Ben and Polly are the bearers of the news of Dodo's decision to stay in 1966 to the Doctor, and accidentally get carried away in the TARDIS
TARDIS
The TARDISGenerally, TARDIS is written in all upper case letters—this convention was popularised by the Target novelisations of the 1970s...
when they try to return Dodo's key to the time machine
Time travel
Time travel is the concept of moving between different points in time in a manner analogous to moving between different points in space. Time travel could hypothetically involve moving backward in time to a moment earlier than the starting point, or forward to the future of that point without the...
.
Ben is a salt of the Earth kind of fellow, dependable, faithful, but prone to be suspicious when kept in the dark or not understanding what was going on. He is very attached to Polly, considering her posh, giving her the nickname of "Duchess" and appointing himself as both her protector and that of the Doctor's. He is present with Polly when the First Doctor regenerates into the Second, and continues to travel with the Second Doctor.
Eventually, the TARDIS finds its way back to 1966 London (in The Faceless Ones
The Faceless Ones
The Faceless Ones is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from April 8 to May 13, 1967. The story concerns a race of identity-stealing aliens known as the Chameleons...
) on the very day Ben and Polly had left (although about a year had passed for them). They decide to remain behind to resume their lives without disruption as the Doctor and Jamie
Jamie McCrimmon
James Robert "Jamie" McCrimmon is a fictional character played by Frazer Hines in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. A piper of the Clan McLaren who lived in 18th century Scotland, he was a companion of the Second Doctor and a regular in the programme from 1966...
travel on.
What happens to Ben after his return to Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
is not certain. The Doctor seems to think that Ben will become an Admiral
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
and that Polly will look after Ben, but it is unclear if this is a prediction or simply wishing them well.
Ben is mentioned by Sarah Jane Smith in Death of the Doctor
Death of the Doctor
Death of the Doctor is a two-part story of The Sarah Jane Adventures which was broadcast on CBBC on 25 and 26 October 2010. It is the third story of the fourth series. This episode features the return of Katy Manning to the role of Jo Grant and a guest appearance by Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor...
as working with Polly in India "running an orphanage there."
Other mentions
The 7th Doctor whispers his name in The Curse of FenricThe Curse of Fenric
The Curse of Fenric is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 25 October to 15 November 1989...
and a vision of Ben is seen along with every other companion aside from Leela
Leela (Doctor Who)
Leela is a fictional character played by Louise Jameson in the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Leela was a companion of the Fourth Doctor and a regular in the programme from 1977 to 1978...
on the scanner screen in Resurrection of the Daleks
Resurrection of the Daleks
Resurrection of the Daleks is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in two weekly parts between 8 February and 15 February 1984...
.
Other appearances
In the spin offDoctor Who spin-offs
Doctor Who spin-offs refers to material created outside of, but related to, the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
short story "Mondas Passing" by Paul Grice (in the anthology Short Trips) which takes place in 1986, it is revealed that Ben and Polly have gone their separate ways and married other people. Ben meets a divorced Polly again with the help of the Second Doctor in 1999 ("That Time I Nearly Destroyed The World Whilst Looking For a Dress" by Joseph Lidster, published in Short Trips: Past Tense
Short Trips: Past Tense
Short Trips: Past Tense is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Ian Farrington and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection's theme is history with each story being set before the year 2000...
), where the two admit their love for each other. The canonicity of the spin offs is unclear.
Television
Season 3- The War MachinesThe War MachinesThe War Machines is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in 4 weekly parts from 25 June to 16 July 1966...
Season 4
- The SmugglersThe SmugglersThe Smugglers is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 10 September to 1 October 1966.-Plot:...
- The Tenth PlanetThe Tenth PlanetThe Tenth Planet is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 8 October to 29 October 1966. It was William Hartnell's last regular appearance as the First Doctor, and the first story to feature the Cybermen...
- The Power of the DaleksThe Power of the DaleksThe Power of the Daleks is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from 5 November to 10 December 1966. It is Patrick Troughton's first full story as the Doctor.-Plot:...
- The HighlandersThe Highlanders (Doctor Who)The Highlanders is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 17 December 1966 to 7 January 1967....
- The Underwater MenaceThe Underwater MenaceThe Underwater Menace is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 14 January 1967 to 4 February 1967. The story constitutes Jamie McCrimmon's first journey with the Doctor as a travelling companion.-Plot:The TARDIS...
- The MoonbaseThe MoonbaseThe Moonbase is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 11 February to 4 March 1967...
- The Macra TerrorThe Macra TerrorThe Macra Terror is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in four weekly parts from 11 March to 1 April 1967...
- The Faceless OnesThe Faceless OnesThe Faceless Ones is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from April 8 to May 13, 1967. The story concerns a race of identity-stealing aliens known as the Chameleons...
(Episodes 1, 2 & 6)
Novels
Virgin Missing AdventuresVirgin Missing Adventures
The Virgin Missing Adventures were a series of novels from Virgin Publishing based on the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who, which had been cancelled in 1989, featuring stories set between televised episodes of the programme. The novels were published from 1994 to 1997, and...
- Invasion of the Cat-PeopleInvasion of the Cat-PeopleInvasion of the Cat-People is an original novel written by Gary Russell and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Second Doctor, Ben and Polly.-External links:*...
by Gary RussellGary RussellGary James Russell is a freelance writer and former child actor. As a writer, he is best known for his work in connection with the television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs in other media...
Past Doctor Adventures
Past Doctor Adventures
The Past Doctor Adventures were a series of spin-off novels based on the long running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and published under the BBC Books imprint. For most of their existence, they were published side-by-side with the Eighth Doctor Adventures...
- The Murder Game by Steve Lyons
- The RoundheadsThe Roundheads (Doctor Who)The Roundheads is a BBC Books original novel written by Mark Gatiss and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
by Mark GatissMark GatissMark Gatiss is an English actor, screenwriter and novelist. He is best known as a member of the comedy team The League of Gentlemen, and has both written for and acted in the TV series Doctor Who and Sherlock.... - Dying in the SunDying in the SunDying in the Sun is a BBC Books original novel written by Jon de Burgh Miller and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Second Doctor, Ben, and Polly.-Synopsis:Los Angeles, 1947...
by Jon de Burgh MillerJon de Burgh MillerJon de Burgh Miller is an author most associated with his work on a variety of spin-offs from the BBC Television series Doctor Who. He is also co-owner of and regular reviewer on the Shiny Shelf website.-Work:... - Ten Little AliensTen Little AliensTen Little Aliens is a BBC Books original novel written by Stephen Cole and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the First Doctor, Ben and Polly.-External links:*...
by Stephen ColeStephen Cole (writer)Stephen Cole is an author of children's books and science fiction. He was also in charge of BBC Worldwide's merchandising of the BBC Television series Doctor Who between 1997 and 1999: this was a role which found him deciding on which stories should be released on video, commissioning and editing...
Telos Doctor Who novellas
Telos Doctor Who novellas
The Telos Doctor Who novellas were a series of tie-in novellas based on the long-running BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who, officially licensed by the BBC and published by Telos Publishing Ltd...
- WonderlandWonderland (Doctor Who)Wonderland is an original novella written by Mark Chadbourn and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It features the Second Doctor and Ben and Polly. It was released both as a standard edition hardback and a deluxe edition featuring a frontispiece by...
by Mark ChadbournMark ChadbournMark Chadbourn is an English fantasy, science fiction and horror author with fifteen novels published around the world.Born in the English Midlands from a long line of coal miners...
Short stories
- "Mondas Passing" by Paul Grice (Short Trips)
- "That Time I Nearly Destroyed The World Whilst Looking For a Dress" by Joseph LidsterJoseph LidsterJoseph Lidster is an English television writer best known for his work on the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.-Biography:His debut work was the audio play The Rapture for Big Finish Productions in 2002...
(Short Trips: Past TenseShort Trips: Past TenseShort Trips: Past Tense is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Ian Farrington and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection's theme is history with each story being set before the year 2000...
) - "Pluto" by Dale Smith (Short Trips: The Solar SystemShort Trips: The Solar SystemShort Trips: The Solar System is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Gary Russell and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection features ten stories - one set on each planet in the solar system....
) - "Do You Dream in Colour" by Gary RussellGary RussellGary James Russell is a freelance writer and former child actor. As a writer, he is best known for his work in connection with the television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs in other media...
(Short Trips: The Ghosts of ChristmasShort Trips: The Ghosts of ChristmasShort Trips: The Ghosts of Christmas is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Cavan Scott and Mark Wright and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. The collection features stories set at Christmas in the past, present and future...
) - "The Slave War" by Una McCormack (Short Trips: The Quality of LeadershipShort Trips: The Quality of LeadershipShort Trips: The Quality of Leadership is a Big Finish original anthology edited by Keith R.A. DeCandido and based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
)
Comics
- "The Tests of Trefus" by David BrianDavid BrianDavid Brian was an American actor and dancer.-Career:Brian was signed by Warner Bros. in 1949 and appeared in such films as The Damned Don't Cry! and Flamingo Road with Joan Crawford, and Beyond the Forest with Bette Davis...
(Doctor Who Annual 1968) - "World Without Night" by David BrianDavid BrianDavid Brian was an American actor and dancer.-Career:Brian was signed by Warner Bros. in 1949 and appeared in such films as The Damned Don't Cry! and Flamingo Road with Joan Crawford, and Beyond the Forest with Bette Davis...
(Doctor Who Annual 1968) - "Food for Thought" by Nicholas BriggsNicholas BriggsNicholas Briggs is a British actor and writer, predominantly associated with the BBC science fiction television series Doctor Who and its various spin-offs, particularly as the voice of the Daleks. Briggs sometimes uses the pseudonym Arthur Wallis...
and Colin Andrew (Doctor Who MagazineDoctor Who MagazineDoctor Who Magazine is a magazine devoted to the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who...
218–220)
Audio stories
- ResistanceResistance (Doctor Who audio)Resistance is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.The Companion Chronicles "talking books" are each narrated by one of the Doctor's companions and feature a second, guest-star voice along with music and sound effects.-...
(adventure related by Polly) - The Three CompanionsThe Three CompanionsThe Three Companions is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It is a 12-part mini-series included as a bonus feature on 12 consecutive monthly Doctor Who plays, starting with The Magic Mousetrap and ending with...
(adventure related by Polly) - The Forbidden TimeThe Forbidden TimeThe Forbidden Time is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(an adventure related by the characters Polly & Jamie) - The Selachian GambitThe Selachian GambitThe Selachian Gambit is a Big Finish Productions audiobook based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who....
(an adventure related by the characters Polly & Jamie)