Doctor Who: “The Regeneration of Matt Smith…”

Posted on October 6, 2009

…Or, rather, David Tennant. But I will get to that in a moment.

Artwork by Neil Cameron

Plot devices and continuity. Like most hit television shows, in any given genre, be it comedy or drama… from Grey’s Anatomy to Ugly Betty to Lost to Star Trek to Stargate to, yes, Doctor Who. New writers must come in and draw a fine line where the old left off, and hopefully fill those new shoes properly. If you were hired to write a hit TV show tomorrow and you were not a fan or somewhat of an expert or historian in that series, somewhat part of the progression of it, I would tell you to get the F out. Good example, Desperate Housewives. I mean, come on, five years later? OK, prequels I can handle. Pip and Jane Baker; you wrote about Colin Baker but you never ever bothered to watch the series and analyze your lead character’s progressions?

I have faith Stephen Moffat will make this new improved Doctor Who work to his advantage, and, most importantly, the audience’s advantage. And don’t be surprised if Russell T. Davies “guest writes” a story every now and then. Like most science fiction shows, the best writers and collaborators must look at the material of seasons past and see how they can improve on that, go one step further. They must include an element within a series that will not only keep the viewer attached but something that approximates the previous seasons and the very heart of what the show represents, especially in terms of approach and sophistication. Good example, historical stories. Anything else nowadays is a waste of time and a quick cancellation.

The Two New Stars of Series Five

: Amy Pond, The 11th Doctor, the New TARDIS

But, once again, I have faith in the soon-arriving Fifth Series Doctor when it comes to his bow-tie donning persona, what I personally consider to be a 21^st century Peter Davison by way of Jon Pertwee and perhaps a bit of suave “academic emo”. Then again, over the next three years—in which Matt Smith was contracted—I could end up wrong. However, I love the new outfit. And I fell in love with Matt Smith when I saw that new TARDIS, the tweed dandy, and the old crotchety boots and rags he was wearing. Yes, sometimes fashion makes a bold statement. The best part: it works for just about all age groups.

When I was growing up, the late Tom Baker and Peter Davison years were my era. My son loves Christopher Eccleston. Who knows, maybe it’s the ears. But he is young. The way I grew up to Davison, is the way my boy will start off “fresh” with Matt Smith. The Eleventh Doctor. Below you will find set photographs littered across the web of Matt Smith in a rather torn-up outfit belonging to a dead David Tennant. Yes, the Tenth Doctor’s garb. Ice cream, anyone? And there’s a surprised Karen Gillan, in standard police uniform, by his side. So one question now remains: what happened in the aftermath of whatever it is that killed Tennant’s character off?

Well, actually, two: How did David Tennant die?

REGEN-NEWS TIP: The Gallifreyan Embassy (Doctor Who Podshock): ttp://networkedblogs.com/p13718949

Official BBC Doctor Who Homepage:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/

Doctor Who Series Five Monster Poll:

https://lawrencedagstine.com/2009/03/16/doctor-who-series-five-monsters/

On-Location Film Shoots:

www.bigpicturesphoto.com

Surprise, surprise!

"Can I get you a Firerocket, Amy?"

The 2010 series assures us the return of Alex Kingston (Professor Riversong, who I suspect might be Amy Pond). The new series assures us the return of the Daleks. The 2010 series rumors that Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston will be back. How the latter, I do not know. Maybe Merlin, maybe CGI dragons. There are rumors of The Sea Devils, Sherlock Holmes, The Yeti, The London Underground (remember The Web of Fear), and possibly Noel Clarke and John Barrowman, too. But until 2010, that’s all they are: rumors.

Matt Smith

Nevertheless, I’d like to take this time to thank David Tennant, Russell T. Davies, and Julie Gardner for fulfilling a dream I had wished come true way back in the 90’s when I was scouring Forbidden Planet, Barnes & Nobles, and Borders for paperbacks like the “The New Adventures” and places like FYE and Sam Goody for VHS Tapes of past stories.