PETER CAPALDI TAKES ON THE ROLE OF THE DOCTOR LIKE NEVER BEFORE
It’s almost impossible to imagine a Saturday evening without “Doctor Who,” or that the extremely popular show almost didn’t make it’s comeback in 2005. During its nine year stint, the show has definitely gained more momentum with fans from all over the world from the U.K. to the U.S. to South Korea.
After the exit of Matt Smith, some fans, myself included, were a bit weary of the new Doctor. We get attached to a particular incarnation of the Time Lord and never really want to let go. “What will the new Doctor be like? Will he be just as charming? Will he be scary? Will he be funny?,” are some thoughts that may come mind.
“THESE ARE ATTACK EYEBROWS. YOU CAN TAKE BOTTLE CAPS OFF WITH THESE.”
Actor Peter Capaldi, known for his role as Malcolm Tucker on the BBC show “The Thick of It,” does a decent job of capturing the essence of the Doctor. He’s a bit more refined than his predecessors but also seems more brooding, dark, lonely and a bit scary. Maybe it’s the eyebrows and Capaldi’s piercing stare.
I wouldn’t write him off completely. It’s still too early in the season to really tell what he’ll be like but so far I’m not entirely turned off by his take of my beloved Doctor. He still brings a smile to my face, makes me laugh and makes me want to channel my inner Amelia Pond and say, “raggedy man.”
One of the first things that stuck out was the new theme song. It seems too high pitched and screechy. Overall it doesn’t seem to fit the personality of the new Doctor and I’m not the only who feels this way. The Doubleclicks, a sister duo who sing songs about nerdy things, shared their take on what the 12th Doctor’s theme should really be. But don’t take my word for it, watch for yourself. Here’s a link to the video: http://youtu.be/vm5sdW51kpU.
The Doctor’s unique look is also fairly refined — deep navy coat tails lined with ruby satin over a matching vest with classic white dress shirt and navy slacks with polished black dress shoes. But the Doctor isn’t the only one to get a makeover. The TARDIS has also been remodelled and includes the additions of book-filled shelves and plush velvet chairs. It’s like a Victorian sitting room or study.
In the season première episode, “Deep Breath,” we are once again back in Victorian London with Madame Vastra, Jenny and Strax. Without giving too much away, it’s whirlwind tale about a string of mysterious deaths, a dinosaur and post-traumatic stress from the Doctor’s latest regeneration. No spoilers here. But what the one question on your lips at the end of the episode will be, “who is she?”
Producer Steven Moffat and his writers, definitely played up Capaldi’s Scottish heritage and brilliantly. I love the quips Capaldi gets to make in the season première like “I’m Scottish. I can complain about things,” or “These are attack eyebrows. You can take bottle caps off with these.” The episode ending was also a nice touch, spoilers!
Capaldi is definitely not the young Doctor we are used to, but there is still something alluring and captivating about him. It’s the Doctor like you’ve never seen him before and I hope it only get better from here.
But only time will tell.
