The selection of Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor is a very good choice. He is clearly different than Matt Smith, while showing all the qualities of the Doctor. After two relatively young Doctors, having a seasoned actor who grew up watching the show should make for excellent storytelling.
I have been a fan of Doctor Who since I was a kid in the 1980s. I would watch on the PBS Station Channel 54 late at night, usually setting the VCR before going to bed. I even went to an event at the station to meet the 7th Doctor, Sylvester McCoy. I also attended TimeCon in 1985 and 1986.
Yes, that is Colin Baker, the 6th Doctor and a much younger version of me. I did sew question marks into my shirt collar.
Why Doctor Who?
Doctor Who is one of the most established science fiction TV shows in history. The only other one with such staying power has been Star Trek.
Why? How has it lasted 50 years?
The show inspires, with clear lines of right and wrong. There is imagination, hope, adventure and the very human element of pain.
The Next Doctor
Peter Capaldi reminds me as a cross of William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee. We will see how exactly Capaldi approaches the role, but there are several things that are established laws of time:
A generation will grow up with Capaldi as their Doctor.
He will do his best with the role.
Fans from the last 50 years will continue to watch with excitement.
I look forward to the upcoming 50th Anniversary Special and Matt Smith’s goodbye in the Christmas Special.
The question remains, while Capaldi will be different than Matt Smith, will he continue the tradition of the First, Second, Third and Eleventh Doctors and wear a bow tie?
