The episode The Power of the Doctor was Jodie Whittaker’s last, making way for the 14th Doctor. But it was not a regeneration like the others in Doctor Who. Spoilers.
The fans of Doctor Who know this terrible moment by heart: saying goodbye to the Doctor whom we have followed for several seasons, to welcome a new one. In The Power of the Doctorbroadcast on Sunday October 23, 2022 on BBC One, the 13th doctor played by Jodie Whittaker lived his last adventure to make way for the 14th doctor.
But the outcome of this regeneration is unlike any other. It even implies quite a change for the special episodes to come, which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the series.
The Power of the Doctor: the quintessential Doctor Who tribute episode
Maybe even more than The Day of the Doctorthe 50th anniversary episode of the series in 2012, The Power of the Doctor (also broadcast on the occasion of the centenary of the BBC channel) will have paid tribute to the entire saga. Because it is by emphasizing the companions that the episode stood out.
The Power of the Doctor brings back Ace (9 episodes from 1987 to 1989) and Tegan (64 episodes from 1980 to 1983). It is also Yaz – Mandip Gill – who will brilliantly orchestrate the rescue of the heroine, with the help of other companions. From A to Z, The Power of Doctor is a reading of the Doctor through the eyes of those who accompany him — up to the “circle of anonymous companions” at the end. A nice way to end an era marked by the repeated notion of familythe little English word for family / famille.
Thank you, Jodie Whittaker
The 13th Doctor’s run, played by Jodie Whittaker and written by Chris Chibnall, clearly doesn’t have the best reputation. In question, seasons which have sometimes suffered from writing defects – stories a little less solid than before, which often broke the rule of show don’t tell and a somewhat soft start. But, despite everything, the end of this era did not deserve such indifference.
Several episodes were however remarkable, and the interpretation of Jodie Whittaker in 13th Doctor, without the least defect as for it, became striking. The actress knew how to carry a tragic interpretation of her character, carrying within her a magnificent melancholy. After the restraint of Peter Capaldi, she was able to bring warmth to the series and a more unbridled humanity.
This gives rise to a regeneration that is ultimately very moving. It is also the first time that this moment has taken place in such a peaceful way, facing the ocean, after a modest goodbye to Yaz – to the unfinished love story.
David Tennant back and the first Ncuti Gatwa image
All the regenerations are remarkable, but this one enters significantly into the history of the series: not only is the staging sublime, but it is the first inverted regeneration of Doctor Who, signing the return of David Tennant. The actor is officially the new Doctor, 10 years after his most beloved era. Never had a Doctor reverted to a past form. The Doctor himself seems totally taken aback—” I recognize those teeth! “.
Ever since David Tennant’s return was announced by the BBC, there’s been speculation about whether or not he would become the next Doctor, or if he could be an antagonist, a parallel version. The scene confirms that he’s the next incarnation, as does the trailer for the next few episodes, which clearly cast him that way.
However, there are still some quirks. This is the first time that a regeneration also modifies the clothes: in general, and it is logical, the new body is dressed like the previous one. Not to mention that, in the trailer, the Doctor asks himself: I do not know who I am anymore “. The new character played by Neil Patrick Harris looks like a magician, an illusionist. We understand that something is wrong and that this reverse regeneration is not just a coincidence. It is clear that this incarnation of the 14th Doctor will itself be at the heart of the plot and that Russel T. Davies has some surprises in store for us.
Note that the trailer also shows the first sequence with Ncuti Gatwa – ultimately the 15th Doctor therefore – in his role. Three seconds are enough to trust the actor: yes, we can already see him very well in Doctor.