Jackie Tyler - Reception

Reception

James Chapman identifies the presence of Jackie and Mickey as part of Davies attempt to "create a social context" for Rose. In a 2006 essay entitled Jackie Tyler Leaves the TV On", television writer and author Paul Cornell notes that whilst some fans would rather see less time devoted to Rose's family, Jackie is emblematic of a section of the revival of Doctor Who's target demographic. In the Journal of Commonwealth Literature Lindy A. Orthia observes that the "giro-collecting" Jackie is part of the group of companions introduced in Davies' era of Doctor Who that are "drawn from a cosmopolitan vision" in that they are all "black, queer and/or working class." Orthia contends that whilst working-class companions had featured previously in the show "none were unskilled workers nor chronically under- or unemployed like Rose, Donna and Jackie." Kay McFadden of the The Seattle Times felt the character to be "antic" and overbearing" in the premiere episode, whilst SFX Magazine described the character's appearance in "The End of the World" as a "wonderful moment" that reminded the audience of the context of the adventure. Charles McGrath of The New York Times, in a review of "Rose" and "The End of the Worl", described Jackie as "vain" and "slutty". In their unauthorised guide to the revival of Doctor Who Graeme Burk and Robert Smith? identify "Aliens of London" and "World War Three" as a turning point in the character from comic relief to a character the audience "are invested in and care about." For the authors, the moment where Jackie and Mickey stand behind "Rose's mad dream" in "The Parting of the Ways" is the "stand up and cheer moment to end them all".

SFX reviewer Nick Setchfield praised Davies' "populist voice" in relation to Jackie's characterisation in "Love and Monsters" stating "there’s something just right about Jackie seducing Elton to the Asda charms of Il Divo." He commented that the script provided something "genuinely moving about Jackie’s desperation" which was "well played by Coduri". Similarly, IGN's Ahsan Haque felt that Jackie 's "attention seeking attraction towards Elton was handled extremely well." Burk and Smith? identify Jackie's "because it's hard" speech as "Coduri's best acting in the series, bar none" opining that the actress "infuses her scenes with comic brilliance, wistful reflection and raw anger, all in the space of several minutes". They felt that Davies keeps " humorous elements intact and shows us the bittersweet pain that underpins it." In his review of "Army of Ghosts" Arnold T Blumberg, writing for Now Playing magazine, observes that the character "gets to be a companion for a little while" and "does a damn fine job of it too." Burk and Smith? list the simultaneous reunion and first meeting between Jackie and Pete in "Doomsday" as one of the episode's poignant moments, stating that the scene "sings joyously" through the performances of Coduri and Dingwall. Commenting on Jackie's involvement in "Journey's End" Travis Fickett observed that having the Doctor tell her to stay away from the TARDIS console was "a fun moment", although he felt that having so many characters present in the episode was "a bit awkward." Dave Golder of SFX stated that there being "not enough Jacqui " was one of the episode's low points.

Reviewers also compared the character of Donna Noble's mother, Sylvia (Jacqueline King), who featured semi-regularly during the fourth series, against Jackie. Airlock Alpha's Alan Stanley Blair remarked upon the premiere of "Partners in Crime" that Sylvia "doesn't have the same appeal" as Jackie. Charlie Jane Anders of io9 comments that until the episode "Turn Left" Sylvia seemed like "a weak copy of Jackie Tyler" who lacked Jackie's "saucy warmth." Of her role in the series, Jon Wise of People magazine opined that Coduri "adds a certain sexiness" to the role of Rose's mum. In an interview with Coduri, Gay Times magazine stated that she is "beloved" by members of the gay community because of her role as Jackie, something the actress felt was a "privilege". The exposure given to Coduri whilst playing the role led to her being recognised frequently on the street. The actress commented that she also received "heaps of fan mail, mostly from men" which verged more on the "respectful, romantic side than the drop-your-drawers side".