Ah! Yeah, well, I think what we're seeing up there is episode specific. But, who knows?

Either way, I do believe that Mickey Smith and Rory Williams have had the greatest development arcs in the entire series. Both have gone from--convincingly--nothing, to become--convincingly--something. They are, to me, the greatest examples of The Doctor's companions fulfilling their potential. Rose, Martha, Donna, Amy? More or less the same as when they started. Except Rose became ridiculously unconvincing as a "badass", Martha's role as UNIT medical office makes sense but isn't that great of a leap, and Donna's whole story is meaningless by the end, because she'll never remember and thus never grow. Rory and Mickey, though, both grew up and learned to find the confidence in themselves that allowed them to blossom into the successful badass-es that they are. In fact, Cross and I were discussing if The Doc ever needed to assemble "Doc's Army" again (as in A Good Man Goes to War), this is who he should assemble (not taking budget into account) :

-GROUND SUPPORT-
  • Colonel Lethbridge-Stewart
(since Nick Courtney just passed away this year, I'd be open to seeing a female Lethbridge-Stewart, his own daughter, with a Colonel rank leading a division of UNIT. If it worked, she could have a recurring role in the series just like "dad")

  • Captain Jack Harkness (and maybe Gwen from TORCHWOOD)

    Mickey & Martha Smith, Alien Defense Fighters (last seen in Ten's last episode)

    Rory Williams, The Last Centurion

    Prof. River Song

    Queen Liz-X     (from THE BEAST BELOW)

    Agent Canton E. Delaware, III (from THE IMPOSSIBLE ASTRONAUT)

    Madame Vastra & Lady Jenny


-FLEETS-

  • The Trion Defense Battle Fleet (President Vislor Turlough)
    (When we last saw the 5th Doc's companion, Turlough, he had discovered his political exile had ended, and he could return to his home planet. I am going with the conceit that not only did he return, he accepted his rightful family rank and became leader of Trion and her people. Thus, when the man who saved his soul in his youth needs help? He's bringing his entire military star-fleet with him.)

    The Thoros Alpha Warlord Fleet (King Yrcanos & Queen Perpugilliam)
    (When we last saw Peri Brown, the 6th Doctor was rushing to save her when the Time Lords yanked him forcefully out of time/space to stand trial. At first thought lost, it was later revealed that King Yrcanos, the warrior King played by Brian Blessed--who had shown to have feelings for her--had saved her and placed her on high as the Queen of his planet, Thoros Alpha. Thinking him dead all this time, when The Doctor asks for help the King and Queen of Thoros Beta respond by sending their entire royal fleet to his aid.)