Long time Doctor Who fans have had this problem before you know. In 1981 when the legendary Tom Baker decided it was the right time to be bring his travels to an end after seven wonderful years, people wondered how on earth the series ever be the same again. How do you follow someone who was born to play the part? Fortunately Peter Davison was cast who is simply a very fine actor and could handle the pressure by just giving the role his own input.
As 2009 draws to a close the viewing public are faced with the same dilemma. It is pretty much universally recognized that David Tennant has given one of the most iconic performances of the Doctor to date and he will be sorely missed once he leaves. He has shown us sides of the character never seen before. We have witnessed perhaps some of the most humanistic moments ever, including a story (“Human Nature/Family of Blood”) where we actually got to see what it would be like if the Doctor had a normal human existence. We have seen the Doctor in love, develop almost a surrogate family through various friendships, have a daughter (in the most unconventional way imaginable) and even cry.
But we have also seen a much darker side. A character embittered by the Time War, who is much less merciful than in the past, who tries to do the right thing always but will take whatever steps are necessary for the greater good.
And in a wonderful dichotomy of characterization, a Doctor who has been perhaps more open and approachable than any other, and yet at times seemed more guarded and distant than his predecessors. All this is testament to a man who is, I would argue, currently Britain’s number one actor. However this wonderful period of Doctor Who is nearly at an end and once we have enjoyed what is bound to be an epic end to the 10th Doctor’s era, we will then have the next occupier of the role, Matt Smith.
What Does The Future Hold for Dr. Who?
Unlike when Peter Davison took over, who was already a household name in veterinarian drama All Creatures Great and Small, Matt Smith is a relative unknown. However obvious parallels have been drawn due to both actors having been very young at the time of being cast, In fact at 26 years of age Matt Smith is the youngest actor to have ever taken the lead role.
And although this has caused some early consternation from some fans as has the choice of his new costume being a tweed jacket with accompanying bow tie, history should tell us that the people in charge of the programme know what they are doing. Which brings us to the new Executive Producer of the show Steven Moffat. This man is responsible for writing some of the greatest stories since the show returned in 2005; “Blink”, “The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances” and “The Girl in the Fireplace” are just some of the tales that have rightfully received numerous accolades. When it was announced the reins of the show were being handed over to Mr Moffatt Doctor Who fans were unanimously jumping for joy.
However there is a tendency to think that because Steven Moffat is now running the show it will be a lot darker all the time as some of his tales have been sinister to say the least. This is unlikely to be the case as the shows success is largely down to the plethora of different environments and situations the Doctor finds himself in, leading to macabre moments but also very light and funny moments. That balance is key and will be expertly maintained in the same vein as before.
Family Ties To Be Severed
Where the series shold change is that it will become much more the Doctor and one companion rather than the extended family we saw all aboard the Tardis at the end of the Series 4 finale “The Stolen Earth”. Previous companions such as Martha and her family, Rose and the Tylers, Donna with mother and gramps in tow and Sarah Jane and her clan are unlikely to be returning characters anymore and that is a big plus as the 11th Doctor era has to have its own identity. More characters of this nature may be created down the line but it is now important for these ones to remain in the past, excellent as they all were.
New Monsters Include the Ood, Slitheen and Judoon
Although all Doctor Who fans love the Daleks and Cybermen it is perhaps now time for the series to create some more new monsters and not be too over reliant on past enemies. Perhaps only the Slitheen, the Judoon and The Ood are overly memorable new monsters since the show returned and neither are going to be taking over the universe any time soon. Although the stories have been fantastic for the vast majority of the time it would be nice to see some newer creations land on our screens from time to time. Having said that a return from the Weeping Angels would be welcome and with Steven Moffat now in charge there is a good chance of that happening.
“It is the End...But the Moment has been Prepared For”
As the greatest programme ever to grace our screens Doctor Who has proved time and time again that it will successfully evolve. As much as the world will miss David Tennant the programme will re-invent itself once again and everyone should revel in this exciting time of uncertainty knowing we are in safe hands. Matt Smith should allowed to put his own stamp on the character and fans should allow this time to develop and then hopefully we will, in a few years time, be discussing the iconic era of the 11th Doctor and his wonderful adventures in time and space.
