Last night saw episode 13, "The Stolen Earth" on our screens in the UK, the first of a two-parter finale which concludes with "Journey's End" next week. It ended with a gripping climax that will have all eagerly counting down to next Saturday's final episode of the series. Dr Who was hit by a dalek and went into regeneration mode...
Like many, I was horrified at the thought that the Doc may not come back with David Tennant in the role. It's been rumoured that:
But scouring the net for spoilers and suchlike, in the case of no. 2 I find mention of the fact that actor David Morrissey is in "Doc" type clothing and that Tennant could have been jetted onto the set just for the pics - as a red herring. Let Morrissey be a mere guest star, please. Some think we will see actor James Nesbitt in the role. I hope not. My days of watching Dr Who will then be over. Over and out, whatever universe. Nesbitt only does variations of self. He could never be the Doc. But there are many other theories on the net from those who watch and absorb the plots far better than I could ever do. The crux of it is this: we're facing a situation where one of the doctor's companions has to die to save the universe. It will be the most loyal companion. Some say Rose, some say Martha, some say - horror of horrors, and yes, I've grown to love her - Donna. The theories make interesting reading which I don't profess to understand for one minute. Examples include: And there are far more. It's amazing to read how closely this show is followed. I read somewhere that someone had noted that Russell T Davies had said that a well-known female would be killed. This had to be Penelope Wilton's character - "I'm Harriet Jones, former Prime Minister" - because she kept saying that and even the daleks replied "Yes, we know who you are" at her (perceived) end commented the commenter. The research also brought up interesting points on which I had no previous clue. For example, one theory suggests that previous Dr Who companion, (weren't they originally called "assistants"?), Romana, has something to do with all this. It turns out that Lalla Ward, who played Romana, after a brief marriage to Tom Baker, married Richard Dawkins in 1992. Dawkins of course, had a guest role last night. But so did Paul O'Grady. Are we to believe that he will sacrifice his life for the Doc? I don't think so. In whatever universe and timespace, he has a successful show on C4 and too good a deal... It all made for interesting and exhilerating (on times) reading of theories, but I have to hand it to RTD here, it's a thrilling finale. Just one last point. If the BBC hasn't secured David Tennant for at least one more series, there will be uproar. He's made it his role and become an institution. To lose him, with no warning, would be like taking milk from schools in the 70s. The BBC would never live it down. If they have to make a change, then let us have Donna Noble. Of the current run, I think she's done more to establish herself in the hearts and minds of devotees than other companions, perhaps without knowing it. We expected less of her, but got more, far more than we expected from Catherine Tate. She really is talented and had made Dr Who her oyster too. My ideal world for the future of the series: Tennant remains as the Doc with Tate as his companion. Failing that - and I'd hate to see Tennant go - make Tate the Doc and bring in Sarah Jane's son as the new assistant. Knowing what's out there, mother Sarah Jane has been protecting her son, mollycoddling him beyond belief. But he'll know as much as she does. Probably more. He's her son and he's learnt from her. Far more than she may realise. In her protective mode, she's overlooked his skills and abilities. He's a teenager for God's sake and they often know far more than we do at the early-wrinkly-stage. I haven't seen Donna take control of the Tardis yet, although I haven't watched every episode. She'll need a hand in that and Sarah Jane's son would be a perfect combo. I reckon he might be instrumental in saving the day for "Journey's End" as well as good hand on the controls of the Tardis for a learner. So, if we lose the Doc as we know him - DT - and it's Donna that takes on the role with SJ's son at her side, you heard it here first! The current odds in my book are 15m to 1, so don't hold your breath. I'm not taking bets, either. Just suggesting. And out on a limb, no doubt.
What I want to see, above all, is DT returning in the role of the Doc, with Tate (DN) at his side. And if regeneration does mean new, then I hope we have Donna in the role. (Russell T Davies would leave his mark if he created the first female Doc for the series.) And Sarah Jane's boy is perfect as a companion to Donna. Am I thinking too far out here?
Anne - I'm with DT over CE and I think DT has really made Dr Who his own.
Clare - I wasn't, but some elements were not too far away from what transpired...
Maxine - Dawkins appeared in an on screen TV interview, where he was talking about the implications for the world. He was immediately by Paul O'Grady with a clip from his show, also talking about the impact on the world. As someone said elsewhere, surely such a catastrophic event would have led to the ditching of the Paul O'Grady show? But it's all fiction!
Posted by: crimeficreader | 05 July 2008 at 23:17
PS I wouldn't mind that Captain Jack chap as Dr Who. ;-)
Posted by: maxine | 30 June 2008 at 22:10
I didn't spot Richard Dawkins in Saturday's episode (but then I wasn't watching very closely). Who did he play and when did he appear in the plot? Fasciating!
Posted by: maxine | 30 June 2008 at 22:09
Wow, CFR - you've done a massive amount of research here! I wonder if you'll be right. We've given up watching it for now (afraid we could never get used to Miss Tate).
Posted by: Clare D | 30 June 2008 at 19:58
A fabulous episode for sure! But of course good though Tennant is, Eccleston was far, far better. I still miss him. So adult and so dark, unlike the too child-like doctor played by Tennant.
Still, it will be great to see how they resolve it all!
A
xxx
Posted by: Anne Brooke | 30 June 2008 at 07:15