Dr. Who - End of Time pt2

So having seen the last of the David Tennant Doctor I am filled with loss. Seeing the new Doctor I am equally filled with dread and a sense that Twilight has usurped the TARDIS.

The episode The End of Time Part 2 was a mix of really interesting conclusions to virtually every loose end since the 10th Doctor, and perhaps the worst introduction to the 12th Doctor. While I thought that the way the Master was dealt with was a bit short, it was quite fitting. The return of the Time Lords was even more brief, and so much less satisfying.

It's hard to put it all into simple thoughts. The fact that Wilf was the man knocking, that The Master was so inhumane because he was the victim of an even worse atrocity, it all just fit. It was a bit too pat, too simple.

Ok, let me start over. The concept of a Master that was every person in the world was great. The fact that he wanted to use that planetary army to track down the source of the drumming that plagued his life and drove him insane was a bit of a surprise. Then again, his initial intention was to find the source so he could destroy it was very much in line with his character.

I liked how he was acknowledging his need of the Doctor as much as the Doctor needed him. How there was a symbiotic nature to them both, a destiny that required them both in equal parts.

The thought that the Time Lords were as warped and destructive as the Daleks is quite the twist. That they became cruel and homicidal, in fact even more monsters than the Master himself. It does explain why the Doctor used the "Moment" to destroy both races. It explains why he is so guilty and looking for retribution.

Still, the brief introduction of the Time Lords left me wanting to see more. The fact that they were sent back, possibly with The Master does mean they might be able to get back out again (since he was the key to them getting out in the first place). In fact they were almost useless. Though it was nice to see the Doctor's mother, or at least I think the woman appearing to Wilf was the Doctor's mother.

The way the Doctor traveled to give a final gift to all his companions before he regenerated was sweet. It was touching in much the way that Groundhog Day was funny. And his timing seemed ever so much inspired by that movie.

I was surprised by the marriage of Mickey and Martha Jones. Martha looked great with the braids though. Nice to see Captain Jack Harkness again. Though the 2 scenes seem to confirm that Torchwood is over, but since time is not a factor we can't be sure.

Then came the new Doctor.

I really don't like this kid. He looks odd. He acts juvenile. His actions are just not inspiring. Of Course I am over the age of 15 so I don't think they are trying to play this new Doctor to fans like me.

Looking at the scenes of what is to come I think that a clear move away from the old fans is coming. This is the Doctor for fans of Twilight and pre-teens. It's a Doctor that is geared to the fads of the current times and an insult to those that have followed sci-fi and this series for decades.

I hate to say it, but I think that the series has just gone from the most popular Doctor to the least. At least in terms of any fan that has enough maturity and refined taste to prefer quality. From what we have been shown I am left with the thought of how soon we might see the 13th Doctor.

John Simms and David Tennant have done Dr. Who well. As have all the companions. I will miss the series and their characterizations.

David Tennant, Who, no more

In over 45 years there has been one thing that is more consistent than Democrats raising taxes, Americans and Brits wondering why the other has such a funny accent, and William Shatner starring in something. The Doctor.

Now I know sci-fi fans (not the channel – ick) are right on point. The mere mention of The Doctor and they are thinking of a TARDIS and Daleks galore. But for those of you unfamiliar with Gallifrey, The Master, and Time Lords I’ll recap a bit.

The Doctor refers to Doctor Who. The show was started back in 1963 on the BBC. It has been on and off television there ever since. The show is now watched by millions across the globe in its current format, on the cable network channel BBC America, and occasionally rerun on the SciFi channel (amazing that they actually show a sci-fi show between the search for ghosts, and wrestling I know).

Doctor Who has a huge lore behind it, like the abovementioned Daleks (alien bad guys in metal shells that kill anything non-Dalek with particular glee/efficiency), The Master (mortal enemy of The Doctor), TARDIS (an acronym but basically the name of an old british phone booth that can travel time, and is enormously larger inside than out). But the show is viewer friendly and has added millions of fans over the years.

So far 10 people have played The Doctor (he has no known first or last name). This is not because it’s like a soap opera and different people just step in and shocking you one day. The Doctor can and does regenerate if he is killed, and thus becomes a new person with new personality and quirks. Thus there have been several beloved Doctors, and 1 or 2 that didn’t last so long. David Tennant has been the Doctor for 3 years and counting now. Sadly that countdown will be ending soon.

It has now been reported that Tennant will be leaving Dr. Who at the end of the 2009 series. This of course means that the Doctor will be regenerating into a new persona, but I must admit that I will miss his characterization. He’s done a great job bringing a wit and devil may care attitude to the Doctor that was firm and refreshing.

I don’t know how they will kill the Doctor this time, but I have to say that the end of the most recent season was a huge close to a story arc that was years, literally, in the making. The implications were devastating and impacting 3 separate television series – each a spinoff of Dr. Who. Plus it gives an insight to the mind and emotions of one of the most persistent scifi characters ever created.

The series won’t ever be the same. But then again, it rarely ever was. And that just one reason we love the Doctor.

(Does anyone think that Obama could be under the influence of The Master? Ok, low blow I know.)