Although I can hardly describe myself as a “Whovian” (and I’m sure I’m not the only one!), last Saturday I found myself with my friends, crowded around an open laptop on our kitchen table to watch the special 50th anniversary episode of the longest running science-fiction series ever. As it was an especially long 75 minute episode- and some my friends are very big fans- the suspense was running high, but it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was pleased to see that old favourites such as the Daleks, Billie Piper, David Tennant and Tom Baker (the fourth Doctor) returned to the screen, while new faces like newly appointed Peter Capaldi (the 12th Doctor) and John Hurt excited everyone watching. All of the 11 doctors were included either through old footage or CGI.
The episode, named ‘The Day of the Doctor’, was premiered simultaneously in more than 90 countries; millions watched around the globe, some even viewed it in 3-D in cinemas. A total of 3 Doctors were involved in Saturday’s episode, which set the episode up for lots of action, laughs, aliens and gadgets. The 3 incarnations were all from different points in the Doctor’s time path, which created some interesting dilemmas across the episode.
It is incredible that after 50 years and 11 incarnations of the Doctor, we don’t know everything about him; he still has an air of privacy. In this episode we are taken back to the most mysterious and dark day of the Doctor: the Time War. The horrible life-changing decision that the Doctor has to make was really gripping and emotional to watch. In order to destroy the billions of Daleks invading his planet, John Hurt’s Doctor had to decide whether to destroy Gallifrey and everyone on it (a decision that Matt Smith’s and David Tennant’s know the outcome of). Simultaneously, the Doctors have to save modern day London from an impending nuclear disaster, brought on by a race of shape-shifting aliens called the Zygons, which added an extra plot twist. The suitably “twisty-turny” plot had us all scratching our heads at points but was thoroughly enjoyable.
However, it was not all doom and gloom, Stephen Moffat brought light comedy to the script with Matt Smith and David Tennant especially appealing to the cheeky child in all of us. There was a snap marriage to Elizabeth I, sonic screwdriver size comparisons and, of course, jokes about fezzes and bow ties.
Again, there seemed to be something for everyone, which is what has made this show such a huge success and an enduring part of British entertainment. The extensive coverage by the BBC of Doctor Who’s past with commemorative shows, interviews and a broadcast of the Doctor Who After Party (as well as the parties all over the globe!) are testament to this cultural phenomenon. There is also something special about the fact the show has been handed down from generation to generation; the adventures of this eccentric man and his companions in a blue box passes from parents to children. Everyone has their favourite Doctor, companion and villain.
It made me think about how much Doctor Who has changed since its first episode aired in 1963. Obviously the gadgets, special effects, sets and costumes are more extensive and complex but the characters have also obviously changed enormously. One could say the Doctor has shifted from grumpy granddad to cool and sexy TV icon! The women companions have also become a lot feistier. They make more than a match for their Doctors and are not just a pretty face, there to ask questions and scream on cue. But, I think the eccentricity of the Doctor has remained the same which is why we love him so much.
When you think about it, it is truly an amazing feat that this revolutionary series- Doctor Who- still has the ability to scare, inspire and entertain fifty years on. I look forward to seeing Peter Capaldi’s take on this immense character; here’s to another fifty years!
Image Source:
Ella Sagar