Over the past few months, I've been enjoying the new 10th incarnation of The Doctor, better known to the masses as Doctor Who. I think the new Doctor, David Tennant, is particularly effective in conveying a mix of humour and menace in facing foes both old and new. If I have any complaint it's the growing 'love interest' between DW and Rose. It just seems a bit contrived. In other words, just like everything else on television. For the most part, however, I find it extremely entertaining.
A side note here to the CBC: okay, I get that Holiday programming is par for the course at this time of year, but a five week hiatus between parts one and two of an episode? Come on.
Anyhoo, I started thinking about why exactly I like his characterization, and a life wasted on YouTube has allowed me to watch several of the other Doctors in action, adding fuel to the speculation. I finally realized that Tennant is not just creating a great character, he's playing pieces of many of the best incarnations before him.
Which led me to ask myself: Which of the 10 Doctors are my favourites and least favourites? So, here's a list of my 5 favourites. I'll cover my least favourites in a later post.
Favourite Doctors:
6. Peter Davison - 5th DW - Almost slid onto the least liked list, but there's something about his relatively low-key performance that appeals to me. I recently watched 'Castrovalva', and his playing of the flawed regeneration was great. By far the kindest and softest-spoken DW of the group, but no less determined to right wrongs. I got a bit annoyed at his companions, though. Like Alice, I try to believe three impossible things before breakfast.
5. Christopher Eccleston - 9th DW - A unique take on the character, which is maybe why he's not my favourite - there's no particular sense of continuity. Still good, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The final two episodes of his run were, dare I say, Fantastic.
4. Tom Baker - 4th DW - Everybody's vision of DW who doesn't watch the show. The version that has appeared on the Simpsons at least twice, which is as good an indication as any that he's by far the most popular of the Docs. There seems to be sort of an emotional distance to the character, though, which is why I don't love this incarnation as much as most. Gotta love the tin dog, though. Jelly baby?
3. Jon Pertwee - 3rd DW - The 'Dandified Doc'. Some of the gadgets are a little out there, and I hated that car, but generally played the Doc as thoughtful, intelligent and caring. He's out there fighting evil for a reason - because it's right. Reverse the polarity of the neutron flow!
2. David Tennant - 10th DW - As I've said, a terriffic mix of humor and menace, and loyalty as well. Competent as well, and supremely confident, as befits a very old character such as the Doc. From The Christmas Invasion:
- Sycorax Leader: Blood control is just one form of conquest. I could summon the armada and take this world by force...!
- The Doctor: Well...you could do that...yeah, you could do that, of course you could! But...why? Look at these people, these human beings; consider their potential! From the day they arrive on the planet, blinking, step into the sun, there is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than... no, hold on. Sorry, that's The Lion King. But, the point still stands...leave them alone!
All together now: When I say run, run!
Well, there we are - feel free to argue and stomp your feet if necessary, I'll be back with the other side of the Time Lord coin shortly.
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