matt-smith.JPG
And the new Doctor is … come again?

He looks like he’ll steal your puppy / Seth Freilich

Trade News | January 5, 2009 | Comments (101)

I watched the first season of the BBC’s revamped “Dr. Who” and dug it well enough. I especially enjoyed Christopher Eccelston and, even though he wasn’t to be in Season Two, I had every intention to keep watching. Road to hell, good intentions, etc. Fast forward several years, and I’ve wound up missing the entirety of David Tennant’s run as the Doctor

For those unfamiliar with the show’s premise, the Doctor is a time traveler who regenerates, allowing different actors to take on the role. There have been ten Doctors since 1963, and now there will be an 11th, as Tennant’s successor has been announced. The hotly anticipated announcement came over the weekend, and the generically named Matt Smith (trivia - there are 41 Matt Smith’s listed on IMDB), a 26-year-old Brit who’s done an eensy-teensy bit of TV across the pond, will be jumping into the telephone booth.

There were several bigger names thought to be in the running for the role, but showrunner Steven Moffat decided to skip all those folks and go young, with Smith well being the youngest guy to play the part. I have no opinion on the casting, since I’m so out of the loop on the show, but the opinion on the Nets seems to be one of general disappointment, but a willingness to trust Moffat (he’s earned my trust after “Coupling” — the good BBC one — and the excellent “Jekyll”). I dunno about all that, but I will say that this dude looks like a Twilight tweener who’d be more comfortable writing poems about dead birds than playing a Time Lord. But I guess *ahem* time will tell.


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Comments

This doesn't affect me as I've never seen an episode of Doctor Who in my life, so in a completely unrelated note, FUCK YOUR EAGLES FOR MAKING MY VIKINGS LOOK BAD.

Oh wait, they did that on their own! Nevermind, then!

Posted by: Snath at January 5, 2009 10:18 AM

Oy...looks kinda young.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 5, 2009 10:20 AM

Snath, if it's any consolation, your guys were pretty damned effective at stopping the run.

Posted by: Julie at January 5, 2009 10:23 AM

To be fair, I thought the same thing about David Tennant, but he's just too damn young.

And Julie, there's no consolation prize for kneeling down and sucking Westbrook's dick.

Posted by: Marra at January 5, 2009 10:30 AM

It's been quite a while since I saw Dr Who, but I was quite interested to see who was the new doctor..the new guy looks young but I'll have to see him in the show to give a better opinion

Posted by: Radlum at January 5, 2009 10:31 AM

I had no idea Dr. Who was a tranny?

Posted by: Pookie at January 5, 2009 10:32 AM

The prize is the dick sucking itself. Which is fine, since I had to give Dawkins to Nicole (translation: bitch beat me until I yielded).

Posted by: Julie at January 5, 2009 10:32 AM

The really odd trivia is that he's listed as Matt Smith XI.

Anne (in Reno) gave me an excuse to run my mouth about it and provide more information on my blog, for anyone who'd care to see (along with most of whatever I'd say here so...don't want to be too redundant).

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 10:35 AM

I'll give it a chance but maaaaaaaan, I hope they are not trying to go for a Twilight/Emo "brooding" douche type of Doctor here.

That shit I won't stand for.
\

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 5, 2009 10:38 AM

Ugh, he looks kind of creepy and kind of like Crispin Glover.

Posted by: peachfish at January 5, 2009 10:43 AM

As long as he doesn't pick up where Tennant left off in snogging everyone ever on the show, I'll be good.

Posted by: Claire at January 5, 2009 10:43 AM

Ugh, he looks kind of creepy and kind of like Crispin Glover.

Posted by: peachfish at January 5, 2009 10:43 AM

I just have to keep telling myself, there is no way he can have that hair on the show. Then I put my trust in the awesome Steven Moffat and tell myself to suck it up and be patient. Everybody said Tennant would crash and burn after Eccleston left, and how wrong were we there?

Although, I agree BarbadoSlim, the Twilight emodouche Doctor would make me quite possibly go homicidal. Everybody else caters to that audience, let us have our proper British Doctor.

Posted by: Anne (in Reno) at January 5, 2009 10:43 AM

Wow, I'm not even a fan of the show, but that guy looks, uh, wow. The Whovians are gonna flip out if he acts like he looks!

Posted by: Xtreme at January 5, 2009 10:44 AM

Oh his ass has been brooding, look at all the videos the kids have made on YouTube! I just think he's got weird, possibly uncontrollable, hair.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 10:45 AM

And where the hell are his eyebrows??

Posted by: peachfish at January 5, 2009 10:51 AM

I am really going to miss David Tennant. Christopher Eccleston was a great Doctor, but I just kept seeing him as the psycho in "28 Days Later." David Tennant has been adorable, funny, and my 2nd favorite Doctor after Tom Baker (who doesn't love the long-scarfed one?)

I'll give him a chance, and I do trust Steven Moffatt, so we'll see. Yes, an emodouche Doctor will bring all sorts on hell on this show, and I will help lead the charge.

As for David Tennant snogging everyone, I am STILL waiting for my turn!!

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 5, 2009 10:52 AM

I've never seen a full ep of the show, so I really shouldn't have any investment here. But i have a number of friends who are obsessed with this, so through them I pretty much know what I need to know to say... wtf? I don't know who else was in the running, but THAT was the best they could find?

Posted by: Gabs at January 5, 2009 10:57 AM

I wish I could get my bangs to do that. Unfortunately, I have an aversion to jizz in my face, so it is naught to be.

Posted by: admin at January 5, 2009 10:59 AM

That guy looks like what I imagine Rocky Dennis looks like with his craniodiaphyseal dysplasia shrunk back into his face; e.g. Rumor Willis.

Posted by: Snath at January 5, 2009 11:00 AM

I have to admit that my kids (8 and 10) have gotten me watching the Doctor again and I am not excited about having a 23 year old Time Lord.

We've been wearing out the DVR with BBCAmerica and PBS running the last three series. Chris Eccleston was really good, and I've grown to appreciate David Tennant.

I do love, love, love Catherine Tate in this last series. Keep waiting for her to say "...am I bover'd?"

Posted by: Mrs Smith at January 5, 2009 11:00 AM

I'm going to miss Tennant, lots and lots, but um...maybe I'll get over it. I am not sure how I feel about the Doctor being younger than me. That's just weird. And I'm hoping there'll be less flirting with the companions and not more, but Moffat is an amazing writer so I am looking forward to seeing what he comes up with.

And yeah, where are his eyebrows?

Posted by: Carrie at January 5, 2009 11:02 AM

Doctor Who?

Posted by: Che Grovera at January 5, 2009 11:02 AM

Snath...I did feel bad but I thought the same about him looking like Rocky Dennis. Oh well.

Posted by: Carrie at January 5, 2009 11:04 AM

"As for David Tennant snogging everyone, I am STILL waiting for my turn!!"

Amen, sister!

I can't imagine Moffat giving in to the tweens, so much as I am pre-disposed to hating anyone not the current Doctor, I suppose we'll give him a look-see. Which as I've stated in comments elsewhere, is exactly how I felt when I learned Eccleston was leaving and some young guy was going to be filling in.
I'm mostly disappointed in the fact that there will be so few episodes this year.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 11:07 AM

The prize is the dick sucking itself. Which is fine, since I had to give Dawkins to Nicole (translation: bitch beat me until I yielded).

Well, I went with the Eddie Izzard-approved method of planting a flag on B Dawk, so he's mine. Servo didn't have a flag, but she gets Westbrook, so it all works out.

Re: New New Doctor - As soon as Jay showed me what was up, my reaction to him was along the lines of "They picked a Twilight extra as Eleven?" I'm not thrilled by it, but of course, I'm also in serious denial that Ten Inch is leaving the show. For now I'll trust the Moff and see where he goes with it.

As for the snogging, well, who doesn't want to watch Tennant smooching? Sweet cracker sandwich, I've never wanted to be Billie Piper so badly as when I watched the "Journey's End" Confidential featuring the kiss. HOT. I think that if I'm a good girl, when I get to heaven Jesus will let me re-enact that scene for a few millenia.

Sorry, Vikings fans. I can't help it that Brian Dawkins is a superhero.

Posted by: Nicole at January 5, 2009 11:17 AM

pft i wanted roger ebert for next doctor...

failing that he should be made an honorary eloquent though.

Posted by: jim at January 5, 2009 11:27 AM

Well, the guy's got some theater chops, he's also older than Tennant, let's see how this goes.

/worried

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 5, 2009 11:33 AM

No, he's about 11 years younger than Tennant.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 11:36 AM

I think Eleven is a ruse - they'll use him for one season (a la No. 9) while they try to lure Hugh Laurie from the grips of American t.v. so he can return home and take over the TARDIS. Can you imagine anyone more perfect for the role?

Snarky? Check
Older, but not y'know OLD? Check
Witty? Check
Ability to do comedy/tragedy/drama? Check

He'd be like 1 part Wooster [silly], 1 part Jeeves[smart] and 1 part House[asshole] - and I say, that's a powerful combination.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 11:37 AM

Right people. Although I don't feel strongly about this choice one way or the other I WILL say that this man is a proper actor, having done a run in The History Boys at the National Theatre here in London and opposite Christian Slater in the West End's run of Swimming with Sharks. And while I found the Sally Lockhart adaptations seriously wanting, I do remember thinking that Matt Smith as Jim was one of the only redeeming things about it.

So quit yer whinin' already, GOD.

Posted by: amanda at January 5, 2009 11:46 AM

I've seen Mr Smith in Party Animals he had a certain nerdish charm and so I will like most wait and see. Not a disaster not superb.

I've said it once, I'll say it again. Catheriine Tate is a scourge of television and needs to be stopped. I have a hate the size of a New Year hangover for her. She is a talentless, irritating, moron.

Posted by: Catag at January 5, 2009 11:48 AM

No, he's about 11 years younger than Tennant.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 11:36 AM

WHOA! you're right, could've sworn his bio said he was born in '67. Now I see he's only 26, still, he did do theater (although we are not talking Patrick Stewart here).

Very limited experience then, does he even KNOW Who? Tennant was a Who fan all his life, and he brought that to the role

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 5, 2009 11:55 AM

Well, we've still got a year until David Tennant's run is over. And, to be fair, I had no idea who Christopher Eccleston or David Tennant were before they took over the TARDIS (y'know, except in a guy-from-28 Days Later and "Barty Crouch" kind of way), and, had I known, Eccleston would've seemed like a long shot, too. And they both turned out very, very well.

Plus, I have a LOT of faith in Steven Moffat. He's written some of the best episodes of the new series, and won as many Hugos as Ursula Le Guin.

I'm not worried. Not yet, anyway.

Also, I agree with Stella. Hugh Laurie in the TARDIS would be too awesome for words.

Posted by: gatesong at January 5, 2009 11:56 AM

Catherine Tate is our family's least favorite Companion. We were very disappointed Martha only lasted the one season, but then again, Mr Stella likes 'em smart and sassy.
Also I never bought why No 9/10 were so in love with Rose - you look back at her episodes (compared with what Martha did for him) and I swear I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY. And after Girl in the Fireplace and Silence in the Library we were really flabbergasted that he got all moony eyed and silly over Rose. But perhaps Family of Blood proved once and for all that he likes them blond and not very worldly. Urg, that just irks the piss out of me.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 11:59 AM

Saw a very brief interview with him on BBC News, he came across quite well in that, so I'm willing to withold judgement for now. That said, I've seen maybe half a dozen Tennant episodes and 75% of an Eccleston episode, so it's not like I have any huge investment in the previous actors.

To be honest, I think the companions are as important as the Doctor himself, and are more variable in their characteristics and potential, so I'm more curious to see who the new companions will be. I'm also more curious to see what new Torchwood looks like. But my guess is that I'm well and truly alone in that.

Posted by: Shay at January 5, 2009 12:03 PM

Why Shay? Do you know something I don't (you do, I'm just asking) - we're moving on to Torchwood now that we've exhausted all Doctor Who on Netflix.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 12:10 PM

And remember Eccleston was the villain in the Gone in 60 Seconds Bruckheimer remake with Nic Cage and Giovanni Ribisi. If that doesn't scream a quality acting background, nothing does.

Posted by: Adam C at January 5, 2009 12:10 PM

wasn't Eccleston also the bad guy in First Knight??

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 12:12 PM

I say give a pretty, young boy a chance.

I just have to keep telling myself, there is no way he can have that hair on the show.

Did you never watch Tom Baker as the Doctor? Dude rocked the wild hair.

Posted by: Cindy at January 5, 2009 12:13 PM

I suspect he will be brooding. Moping around the whole time. Usually a Doctor will try to be different from the one before him. Eccleston really is my favorite though. He was my first. So angry.

Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at January 5, 2009 12:15 PM

I'll give it a chance but maaaaaaaan, I hope they are not trying to go for a Twilight/Emo "brooding" douche type of Doctor here.


Do Time Lords sparkle under sunlight? They will now.

Posted by: DGM at January 5, 2009 12:18 PM

I've really gotten into Doctor Who in the last year, and Tennant's great, but I honestly have no negative emotions about this pick. It all depends on how he plays it, and whether or not the show in general turns away from the fun, jokey atmosphere of the last couple seasons. I kind of like that he's unknown, though-it's easier to imagine him as the character as opposed to the actor.

Posted by: Sabrina at January 5, 2009 12:34 PM

I think most people would be ok with having an unknown cast if he, I don't know, didn't look like he'd have to flash his psychic paper everytime he went into a bar...

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 12:39 PM

He looks like the kind of doctor that makes you strip our of your clothes for everything: ear aches, soar throats, ankle sprains...

Oh, and I'm pretty sure he does lots of unnecessary rectum exams.

Posted by: L.O.V.E. at January 5, 2009 12:43 PM

His apperance suggests he was raised by feral fashionistas.
Fashionistas with a hatred of such un-ruly concepts as "eye-brows".
Doctor Who?
Doctor WTF more like.

Posted by: KC at January 5, 2009 12:54 PM

I'm also more curious to see what new Torchwood looks like. But my guess is that I'm well and truly alone in that.

No, Shay, you're not - I'm curious too! But I'm also hoping they don't turn down the man-love quotient because of the shift to the more family-friendly BBC1. I loves me some Janto....

Topic: this guy will be ok. Trust in Grand Moff Steven!

Posted by: Tarn at January 5, 2009 1:05 PM

I'm also more curious to see what new Torchwood looks like.

I've been missing Captain Jack; I'm definitely curious.

Posted by: Cindy at January 5, 2009 1:19 PM

OMG!!! Hugh Laurie as a Time Lord....Jeebus Cripes on a soda cracker, that would be PHENOMENAL!!!! Smart, snarky, sassy, and still hot!!

Re: Rose & the Doctor....my family really loved Martha, and Donna was meh....Rose is just one lucky 'ho...I'm with Nicole on that. Damn!!!!

Do Time Lords sparkle under sunlight? They will now. DGM everyone in my office just asked if I was ok, because I choked on my Diet Pepsi Max laughing at that.

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 5, 2009 1:32 PM

HETRO LOVE IS WRONGS, Tarn!


Well, Moffat has tended to be writing the spookier episodes, and he's said the primary objective of the show is to scare children, but he's funny too, and Smith apparently thinks the scripts he's seen for episodes 1 and 4 are humorous. Plus there's always a bunch of writers going all over the place. Like MST3K you can prefer different stars and think some episodes are complete garbage, but you're still a fan and the next episode will be something different and you might LOVE it, and people don't all have the same favorites and duds at all (I can't fairly say I've got "favorites" as I haven't properly digested all ten at all, but damn do I love 4 and 10).

Now, I'm a huge fan of The Fury of the Time Lord and "what happens next is your own doing", but you can't do that all the time, nor can you mourn old companions all the time (and the third series probably took that as far as you should). Plus 4 was a hilarious weirdo who could also have really scary monsters and people dropping dead all over the place (sometimes only scary until the reveal but....what can ya do?). I assume Moffat, Wenger and the bullpen have got a throughline worked up by now and I'm desperate to know what it is. I am ridiculously excited!

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 1:37 PM

I think Dr Who is a pile of crap composed of cheap production values and horrible acting, and I don't really care about who's cast as Tennant's replacement (only that the insane Tennant/Who fandom permeating every friends group I have will finally fucking end) so all I have to say is...

good god that guy looks like Crispin Glover's creepy cousin. Like he's the biggest creep in that family. And that's saying something.

Posted by: figgy at January 5, 2009 1:45 PM

My wishes for Torchwood are as follows:

1. Kill Gwen
2. Mickey and Freema get integrated into the team.
3. Gwen's hubby also gets some good episodes and becomes part of the team.
4. Kill Gwen, brutally, with none of that "they keep killing Suzie" deals.
5. More Suzie

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at January 5, 2009 1:53 PM

I think most people would be ok with having an unknown cast if he, I don't know, didn't look like he'd have to flash his psychic paper everytime he went into a bar...

HA! he is young, but i like 'em young, so i will reserve judgment. i'm sure i will like him, but i'll also really miss Ten Inch.

BSlim, what's wrong with Gwen? i know she's annoying, but that's part of her charm. i don't know how well the team would work with both Gwen and Martha since Martha is all hot and awesome and Gwen...isn't. (although i do think the actress is beautiful) i would love for Mickey to join the team too, but i don't see that happening. as long as they keep Ianto i'll be just fine.

Posted by: pq at January 5, 2009 2:13 PM

So this is the guy we have in 2010? Seeing as 2009 isn't much of a season (4 specials stretched over the year). Ick. I'm a Tennant girl, even though I thought I would never get over my Eccleston love. Maybe all sins are covered by snappy dialogue?

Speaking of Torchwood, what is this shit where we only get 5 episodes for the season? I am heartbroken, I needs me some Captain Jack.

Posted by: Sharon at January 5, 2009 2:38 PM

I WANT CAPTAIN JACK!!!!

Ok, I know he doesn't really play on my team, but I'm willing to just look at him and listen to him sing...

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 5, 2009 2:45 PM

It's DOCTOR, figgy, DOCTOR.


(but I know you're lying to get a rise out of me, and I'll forgive you)

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 2:59 PM

dudes. each Doctor HAS to be younger than the previous incarnation. That's just the rules. That said, we're running out of time (ahem) before the Doctor will look like a damn kindergardener, which by my calculations will happen by the 14th Doctor.

/nerd

Posted by: grenadine at January 5, 2009 3:12 PM

What worries ME is the rumour I saw in today's Metro that Lily Allen may be considered as the Doctor's Companion.
Oh dear Godtopus, NO!!! We need to kill her now. Who's with me?

No need to shout Jay - I BEEN knowing that.. ;-)

I love watching Jack and Ianto flirt & mack. And they can drag Rhys in, if they want! He's a teddybear, and we need more of him, IMO.

Posted by: Tarn at January 5, 2009 3:24 PM

So what, is Doctor Who the new Benjamin Button?!

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 3:25 PM

I've been watching Dr. Who since 1964, and I love them all (although Patrick Troughton was my favorite Doctor with Jamie as my fav companion). My choice would be to do a little time travel and bring Paul McGann back. He only got one episode before they killed him off.

They need to make the Doctor an older actor, though. It's hard to believe someone's 900 years old when they look 20. Also, the cheesecake should be in the younger companions.

Posted by: BWeaves at January 5, 2009 3:42 PM

Also, I agree with Jay that enough is enough with the Companion love. I get that. It throws the whole Doctor Who-verse out of whack. I do get that. So I'm all for him having a true FRIEND as companion, not un-requieted Love Friend.

However.

I find that the sexual tension between the two main leads is increasingly used as a cheap plot device. Which is fine except that it's been done to death. I mean, you pretty much know a series is going to end once the two leads hook up.

You know why? Lazy ass writing.

I fail to see why it is SO difficult for writers and audiences to accept a couple as co-leads. Think McMillan & Wife, Thin Man, The Mummy Returns... say what you will about the longevity of these movies/shows, but they featured two people in a committed relationship - LIVING that relationship. goddamit WHY is it so hard to write good plotlines w/o it involving
either unrequited love/lust on one end, or the inevitable breakup due to some idiotic plot device?

[Possible spoiler]
Wouldn't Doctor Who be just as exciting if he were to travel with a wife (forget how it happens, or who it happens to be [although GOD I wish it were River]) or better yet, his daughter?? She was SO spunky and cute and viviacious and as a budding Time Lord, just THINK of the possible adventures they could have - him showing her the universe, and her learning about the 'shared history' of their race?

Instead, the writers mess with our hearts and flaunt the possibilities and y'know, after a while it gets old.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 3:43 PM

He has such a looong face as most 26 year old British actors do...

Posted by: ph at January 5, 2009 3:57 PM

I've never seen an episode of Doctor Who. That said, this guy looks like a pederast.

Posted by: smatt584 at January 5, 2009 4:20 PM

I may be mistaken about a goodly segment of these commenters, but take a gander at his hands in this interview about his new job:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zog-6SrGxE0

This might also offer some reassurance re: what does he know about Who. But absolutely no reassurance re: his hair. Eeps.

I'm just worried about Moffatt. Have any of you seen that third series of Coupling and that atrocious Jeff-lite?! Jekyll only soothes the nerves so far.

Posted by: mel (but not any mel who's ever posted here before) at January 5, 2009 4:45 PM

each Doctor HAS to be younger than the previous incarnation

But they haven't been. 3's older than 2, 9's older than 8, 6's older than 5.

And he did start out with his granddaughter, Stella, but they didn't seem to talk about Gallifrey or the Time Lords much until 2 got exiled for being a reckless, mouthy cunt, and Romana was an inexperienced traveler but not ignorant of their history. I agree, an ongoing relationship that's not acrimonious or on the edge of disaster is rare in TV these days and would be rather nice for a change. Jenny would be a great device for telling some Gallifrey stories (and the Doctor wouldn't be her real boyfriend anymore) and, hell, be a great excuse to somehow go there, which was rendered impossible by the Time War, though Dalek Caan found the hard way to get into locked time. "The Sound of Drums" was such a tease in that respect. "Ooooh, history!" "That's all you get!" Plus it was Moffat who said "don't kill her", so he must've wanted the option.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 5:22 PM

Doctor instead of just Dr?

Ooookay. I didn't know that! I swear!

But...everything else...yeah, I knew that'd get me a Jay glare...

Posted by: figgy at January 5, 2009 5:25 PM

"Jenny would be a great device for telling some Gallifrey stories (and the Doctor wouldn't be her real boyfriend anymore)"

hm? you lost me there for sec - real boyfriend? like in real life real life, or tv real life? cuz that'd be weird, even for a Time Lord.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 5:40 PM

Ha, i thought you meant that the granddaughter's name was Stella, and I was all like, oi what a coinkidink, but then I reread it and was like, oh, nvm, I'm just thick.

but YES, travelling with a young family member is perfect and they should go back to that.

Alternatively, they should write fabulous storylines that don't necessitate Human-Time Lord relationship woes.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 5:43 PM

nvm. google does wonders.

Posted by: Stella at January 5, 2009 5:48 PM

Doctor Who?
Posted by: Che Grovera at January 5, 2009 11:02 AM

I die.

Posted by: Anna von Beaverplatz at January 5, 2009 5:50 PM

Well "cheap production values and horrible acting" does kinda venture outside "difference in taste" to just "wrong".

Yeah, last I'd heard, David and Georgia were totally DOING IT.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 6:08 PM

Dr. Who's a British institution. Kinda like MNF before Tony Kornheiser killed it.

And Matt Smith? They could have had Chiwetel Ejiofor. I know who I'd have picked.

Posted by: Fredo at January 5, 2009 6:21 PM

JESUS CHRIST STOP ABBREVIATING "DOCTOR."

Spell it out.

Wow. I don't know where that came from. Sorry.

Posted by: Nicole at January 5, 2009 7:05 PM

From the heart, Nicole. From the heart.

I'd almost start yelling that Seth titled the page "New Doctor Who" but he seems to know that's not the case, so....presumedly unknown person who titled the page, as well as many of the BBC end credits: His name is the Doctor. Simply the Doctor. The one, the only and the best.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 7:53 PM

Yay! I'm not the only one who likes Torchwood! (most of the critics I've read over here seem to take it out every few weeks when it's on the air and give it another casual kicking, and there's invariably a sideswipe at it in most Who-related articles or reviews) And yeah, my main worries are what was said above - less episodes, the obvious question of 'who'll be there now?' and a down-scaling of the manlove. That said, the BBC can actually be quite good about that sometimes; in the last few years alone, they've moved on Casualty from taking loads of flack over showing Tony and Ben kissing and then sweeping the relationship under the carpet and writing them both out in viciously unceremonious ways, to being able to show Toby and New Ben in bed together without a peep from the general public and actually giving them a happy, walk-into-the-sunset ending (which almost no one on Casualty ever gets, ever. It's the most depressing show on the face of the earth)

Gotta say, though, I'm with B-slim on this one. Gwen needs to die, painfully, in many different ways. Maybe they can find another resurrection glove so they can just keep stabbing her in the face again and again. Eve Myles seems like quite a talented actress, but I literally cannot stand that whining shrike of a character. *whew* Also, more PC Andy would be awesome. He's so delightfully snarky, and cute, and eager. What more could you ask for?

Posted by: Shay at January 5, 2009 8:50 PM

Well I would say "hey, stop picking on my other Welsh girlfriend!!" but I don't even really watch the show, so maybe her character is annoying. But would I care? She definitely ranks the highest in my Modern Whoniverse list.

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 8:55 PM

Maybe someone's already mentioned this, but according to Wikipedia, Bill Nighy said that he wanted to be Eleven. Why isn't he being offered the role right now?? Having been introduced to Doctor Who through Tennant's seasons, I'm not unaccustomed to a young Doctor, but when Bill Nighy wants a part in your series, you give it to him. The end.

Also, I'm totally addicted to Torchwood. It's trashy, but it's also awesome. Okay, obsession time over.

Posted by: kalexal at January 5, 2009 9:33 PM

He looks a bit "Archer's Goon" to me but it will be worth it if he goes bonkers and shouts "Doctor SMASH!" at some point. I'll save my *squees* for David Tennant. And John Barrowman. Mmmmm, slashtacular.

And we must all bear this useful message in mind: at least he isn't Adric or Catherine Tate (*shudders*).

Posted by: YeahButNoBut at January 5, 2009 9:53 PM

Adric was.....unfortunate. We're probably really lucky over here that we didn't know Catherine Tate so we could just like or dislike Donna on her own. From what I've gathered I guess her show was kinda like Mad TV or Little Britain in the sense of "well, that was a pretty good joke the first time......oh, you're gonna keep doing it, huh?"

Posted by: Jay at January 5, 2009 10:13 PM

Bill Nighy would have ROCKED as The Doctor. Same, Hugh Laurie. I totally agree with Stella about The Doctor's "daughter" as a companion. I thought she was terrific and would be a great addition. And I didn't mind Donna. At least she had some years and character. Who says the companions all have to be 20 years old and daft? Sarah Jane Smith? Still Yummy. Although she has her own show, so that's that.

So basically, yeah. I'm a Who fan, because of Eccleston and Tennant. Especially Tennant. Crazy/goofy/angry/disturbed and ancient. Not sure about the new guy. But I'll go with the thread that we just have to wait and see.

Posted by: Odnon at January 5, 2009 10:30 PM

I think you can blame that current hair on his other show, Party Animals. I'm prepared to hope that it isn't quite so twilight emo in 12 months time.

I'm prepared to defend him because I trust Steven Moffat too. And I think the reason they've gone with someone so young is that the show the way it is now is very physically demanding (there's a ridiculous amount of running involved...). I read an interview with Moffat somewhere saying that the actors are going to have to be either young or very fit, or else their going to have a heart attack from the physicality of running around like an idiot all the time.

Posted by: rach at January 5, 2009 11:56 PM

The return of Leela as a companion! Failing that, the Doctor's daughter...

Posted by: Adam C at January 6, 2009 12:24 AM

Quiet, savage.

Posted by: Jay at January 6, 2009 12:37 AM

*desperately fights the urge to type a post of nothing but 'Dr' repeated 1500 times*

Posted by: figgy at January 6, 2009 2:40 AM

As long as they don't do the emo Rose-obsessing Doctor, they can cast a fetus for all I care.

Posted by: Aislinn at January 6, 2009 8:57 AM

Don't know if anyone is still reading this thread, but I saw this post on Topless Robot today and thought of all you Whovians (is that a real word or did I make that up?)

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2009/01/the_10_reasons_doctor_who_is_a_terrible_time_lord.php

My favorite headline so far: "Often Has a Difficult Time Fighting Semi-Mobile Trash Cans."

Posted by: Snath at January 6, 2009 9:42 AM

"is that a real word"

Yes and No, I suppose.

"did I make that up?"

Well, you're not the first, but most anyone would arrive there, except me, I'm not good at it.

I like how they remembered his name halfway through it. Harrumph.

the whole control panel is a series of nonsensical cranks, dials and levers, like one of those faux car dashboards for babies.

BAAAAAH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!

(the commenter is right though, Daleks are Nazis and Cybermen are Bolsheviks. Daleks hate what is not them and Cybermen think everyone else should be them too. And Old Grumpy really should check in on Susan. Prick)

Posted by: Jay at January 6, 2009 10:08 AM

Bill Nighy as the Doctor would be awesome. I like my Doctor's older and wiser and awesomer.

And I agree with Jay, the Doctor should check up on Susan. She's probably regenerated a few times now. They were psychic, so they should recognize each other no matter what they looked like. They'd have to, or family reunions would be a bitch.

Posted by: BWeaves at January 6, 2009 10:39 AM

Jay, I completely *heart* you. You are so my Doctor Who go-to from now on. Jenny would be awesome as a companion. It would give him more openings to delve into his past travels, and maybe even feature some past Doctors.

"Sound of Drums" WAS awesome, but all I have to do is say "DON'T BLINK!" to my kids and they wee themselves. DAMN!!! I never did like those creepy garden statues to being with....

Posted by: dammitjanet at January 6, 2009 10:50 AM

"sound of drums" totally rocked - it is THE episode I've been using to convert people to the Doctor. It is so spooky on its own, but it doesn't cannonball into the Who-verse, so it can ease people into the mythology.

Sort of like "Fucking her Gently".

Posted by: Stella at January 6, 2009 1:15 PM

Posted by: Noel at January 6, 2009 1:45 PM

Posted by: Jay at January 6, 2009 2:29 PM

Still.can't.get.over.the.HAIR.

Posted by: Stella at January 6, 2009 2:48 PM

So, the general consensus seems to be that everyone hates Rose Tyler, Billie Piper, Donna Noble, Catherine Tate, and Gwen Cooper (no one has said anything negative about Eve Myles, I think). Then why are y'all watching the shows? You just like the Tennant and Barrowman man candy? Have a thing for Weevils and Vashta Nerada? Do you fantasize about Ianto the Teaboy?

P.S. - I love Tate and her Lauren Cooper sketches. "I ain't even bovvered, though."

Posted by: Nicole at January 6, 2009 3:20 PM

Speaking only for me, myself and I, the reasons I watch the show are:

1. David Tennant
2. Moffat's writing
3. Martha Jones
3. Capt Jack
4. Rose/Donna

Posted by: Stella at January 6, 2009 3:37 PM

Do you fantasize about Ianto the Teaboy

RTD surely does (see "The Writer's Tale"). But am I the only one who's got Sarah Lancashire at #2 below Eve Myles? Googly moogly.

Posted by: Jay at January 6, 2009 4:03 PM

Not all that general, Nicole - I have no problem with any of those. (Well ok, maybe Martha. I never 'got' her).
But there's nothing wrong with the man candy, either.... ;-)

Posted by: Tarn at January 6, 2009 4:33 PM

Watch him on video, he does at least seem to have the right vibe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zog-6SrGxE0

Posted by: Jesse M. at January 7, 2009 12:15 AM

I will miss Tennant so very, very much. But I said the same thing when Eccleston left and I got over that quickly enough.

This guy looks... young. And he'd better cut his damn hair before he even thinks of picking up the sonic screwdriver.

Posted by: Wombat at January 7, 2009 4:19 AM

...according to Wikipedia, Bill Nighy said that he wanted to be Eleven. Why isn't he being offered the role right now??

Kalexal, if I may...I believe Mr. Nighy wasn't offered the role because, well how should I put this...that much awesome on a TV screen at several intervals through the week might be too much for the world. You'd have women running in the streets in a constant state of convulsive orgasm, you'd have men thinking "I'm never gonna be him, how would I ever measure up?", and you'd have a whole generation of children ready to abandon school and be the Doctor's Army.

In other words, because the BBC has their heads up their arse. They better bring him in for some sweet 12th Doctor action. (Or maybe he could be the Valeyard.)

Posted by: Mike R. at January 7, 2009 9:02 AM

am i the only one who thinks he looks like he should be locked in his bedroom smoking pot???
I wouldnt be surprised if he gets caught doing drugs sometime soon and gets his ass fired

Posted by: Philip Brady at January 15, 2009 10:12 AM





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