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Matt Smith's Take on the Time Lord

image by Veronica V. Jones

Just What the Doctor Ordered

The UK’s most venerable science fiction superhero is returning to the States with a brand new look. The new season of Doctor Who starts tonight on BBC America, introducing a new cast of time traveling adventurers. In the premiere episode “The Eleventh Hour,” an alien prisoner takes refuge in a young girl’s home, and the freshly-regenerated Doctor is strangely drawn to both.

Matt Smith’s Doctor is as erratic and quirky as any have ever been, due to the chaotic nature of the character’s physical and mental transformation, as well as the actor’s gleeful experimentation with the iconic role. That both were dangerously energetic and occasionally deranged seems expected — perhaps even mandatory — to help establish the Doctor’s new incarnation.

When an out-of-control TARDIS lands in Amy Pond’s garden, its shapes the child’s life in unexpected ways. When the Doctor next meets a very grown up Amy — played with a slightly edgy wide-eyed innocence by Karen Gillan — she rises to the challenges that only global destruction can bring.

Doctor Who can only ever be as good as the Doctor himself, but the chemistry that forms between he and his companions is also a critical aspect of the show’s popularity. Thankfully Mr. Smith and Ms. Gillan seem more than capable to guide us thought a universe of adventures, with more than their fair share of grace and wit.

Written by in April of 2010. Last edited March 2019.

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Wah Chang

Wah Chang with lamp sculpture Captain Kirk holding a phaser, as designed by Wah Chang. Lt. Commander Spock holding a tricorder, as designed by Wah Chang. A Talosian from Star Trek's original pilot The original Gorn, as designed by Wah Chang. The alien puppet Balock, as designed by Wah Chang's studio.

Comments

  • Meg - May 17th, 2010 at 7:22 am

    Dr Who is the only doctor I look forward to seeing.Havent been watching much tele thanks to a stay in hospital in April.

  • Jeff - May 17th, 2010 at 10:16 am

    Hanging around the Doctor can be dangerous for your health, but I’m sure you can catch the shows you’ve missed once you’re discharged… they’re worth it!