The Written Podcast: When the Doctor Became the Doctor

Everyone who is a fan of Doctor Who has “their Doctor”. That phase has two meanings, the first means who was the actor playing the Doctor at the time they started watching the show, and the second meaning is who their favourite Doctor is, whether that be from the classic or new era.

My Doctor is David Tennant, who played the 10^th incarnation of the Doctor. I started watching the show during series 3, specifically the episode Blink. That’s right, my first ever episode of Doctor Who was the scariest episode of series 3, and one of the strongest episodes of the entire show, and ironically was the only episode in the series didn’t have the Doctor himself for most of the episode.

But the superb story telling from Stephan Moffatt got me hooked right from the start and brought me back next week when the gigantic 3-part finale began. With most finales, it wraps up an ongoing storyline interwoven throughout each episode, and it brought back a few characters who, to those who’ve been watching since series 1 way back in 2005, would know immediately who they were, but to me I didn’t have a clue. That didn’t stop my mind from being blown with how awesome the finale really was.

The over the top, joyous, child-like personality of the 10^th Doctor with occasional seriousness when needed really showed me just who the character of the Doctor was. I had not a single clue as to anything about the show before Blink. I was recommended to watch it as it was the type of show that would appeal to the nerd in me. I have been a fan ever since, never missed an episode.

During the gap between series 3 and 4, BBC Three – when it was still a channel before making the move to BBC iPlayer – was showing every episode of New Who, from series 1 right up to series 3 finale. Every day, without fail, at 7 O’clock, Doctor Who came on and I made sure to be there. Series 1, episode 1, Rose – what an opener. That episode was my first-time seeing Christopher Eccleston playing the Doctor. Essentially, I was experiencing regeneration backwards until I caught up with all the episodes I had missed before Blink. Rose was my first experience with how the Doctor’s personality changes with each regeneration. Skipping ahead to writing this article, after David Tennent left, 3 actors had taken the role: Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and the current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker. Each actor has brought something different to the character, but also kept some fundamentals as well, such as the childish, crazy aspects, with the occasional dark elements when necessary to get the job done.

The brilliance of changing actors, changing the Doctor’s personality multiple times, yet still in keeping with the fundamental character of the Doctor the same is extraordinary. With each regeneration, there is that period where people have to adjust to the new actor playing the role. This is where the writers can utilise their full power to make the new actor become the Doctor. Whilst the first episode of the new actor’s run playing the character is crucial in making sure they become the Doctor, I’ve noticed it’s not always the case. The actor doesn’t always immediately become the Doctor until a couple of episodes in the series. Only when you can say for sure that, “yes, they are the Doctor,” can that transition between actors finally be complete.

This article is an introduction to a short series where I discuss when I feel the actor becomes the Doctor. Or, after regeneration, the Doctor becomes the Doctor. Next week’s article will be me talking about when Christopher Eccleston’s incarnation becomes the Doctor (in my opinion (but my example may fall in line with many others as well as the episode in general showcased that moment when the actor truly becomes the Doctor)).

What inspired me to write this article was, during series 12, Jodie Whittaker’s moment of becoming the Doctor happened. Series 11 wasn’t the greatest start to her tenure. Chris Chibnall had a lot resting on his shoulders, and unfortunately that weight seemed to have pressed down too much. However, series 12 has been much better. He’s learnt from the mistakes made from series 11 and knocked it out of the park, especially in episode 5, Fugitive of the Judoon, when a completely unknown incarnation appeared out of literally nowhere, sending everyone who has a tight grip on Doctor Who’s lore into meltdown as they try and figure out where in the Doctor’s timeline Ruth’s Doctor, played by Jo Martin, fits. Whilst that revelation didn’t directly inspire this short series of articles, it did help form most of the words within this introduction. Strong writing helps the actor become the Doctor. Sometimes it takes more than one episode; other times, it takes less than an episode for that moment appears on screen. I have two examples of that during this series.

Eventually, Jodie Whittaker will bow out of playing the role and another actor will take her place, whether that be another women or back to being a man. Whatever they chose, they, too, will have their moment, and I’ll probably talk about that and why it was the perfect moment to call the Doctor. But, I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. Christopher Eccleston’s moment, in my opinion, didn’t happen during the first episode and I’ll explain why in the next article. His moment comes a few episodes in, when a familiar foe returned for the first time in New Who. You may have already figured out what episode I’m going to talk about, and you may have already made up your mind whether you agree or disagree with me, but at least give my opinion a chance, because it may just persuade you change your mind.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)