Tenth Doctor: 'Wibbly wobbly...'Both Doctors: 'Timey wimey!'
I love the Children In Need specials. Despite being irregular, they're always of a decent quality and, although seldom giving us anything significant in terms of plot development, they always entertain. And what's not to like about seeing Peter Davison grace our screens again? Sure he's a bit older and little heavier—but the man's still got it.
What always puzzles me about these multiple Doctor storylines is that they never refer to each other by name. Obviously, there's a degree of secrecy surrounding the Doctor's name, but when they're talking to each other, that shouldn't be a problem, surely? Are they frightened that the TARDIS might overhear?
I love the air of irritability between meeting Doctors. The tenth Doctor criticising the fifth's decision to go 'hands free', whilst simultaneously poking fun at his lapel garnish, was positively inspired. And since two heads are better than one, when the two heads are your own, it really didn't matter who solved the time crash conundrum—it was win win either way.
Both actors were excellent in this vignette. Davison slipped back into his old role with consummate ease, and Tennant so clearly lives and breathes the part these days, that it's hard to imagine anyone else coming even close to what he's achieved.
We've had a few multiple Doctor stories in the past (imaginatively named 'The Two Doctors', 'The Three Doctors' and 'The Five Doctors')—I wonder how a modern day take would fare. We had a multiple-companion story in 'Journey's End', how about a modern day multi-Doctor story? Surely they could get Tennant, McGann, Eccleston and Matt Smith together for the sake of charity?
Wouldn't that be something?
Billie says...
I don't have much to say about this one, other than it was a nice little tribute to the past -- bright, funny, enjoyable to watch. I know there have been other multiple Doctor crossovers, but I haven't seen them. It might get dull if it were an entire episode, but for a brief little thing, it was great fun.
Interesting dynamic, how our current Doctor constantly ridiculed his earlier self, at first. Especially the celery. And for the most part, the tenth Doctor didn't seem at all uncomfortable talking to himself. Of course, it's happened before. They did seem to be the same person, meaning that characterization of the Doctor has apparently been consistent, to some extent.
And it was lovely when the tenth Doctor told the fifth, "You were my Doctor." Very nice.
Other Thoughts:
—Brief mention of L.I.N.D.A. from the terrible 'Love & Monsters.'
—This special was written by Steven Moffat, future Doctor Who showrunner. I can't wait!
Quotes:
Tenth Doctor: "Oh, no, of course. You mostly went hands-free didn't you? Like, 'Hey, I'm the Doctor. I can save the universe using a kettle and some string! And look at me, I'm wearing a vegetable!'"
Tenth Doctor: "Look at you! The hat, the coat, the crickety cricket stuff, the... stick of celery... brave choice, celery, but fair play to you, not a lot of men can carry off a decorative vegetable."
Tenth Doctor: "Where are you now? Nyssa and Tegan? Cybermen and Mara and Time Lords in funny hats and the Master... oh, he just showed up again, same as ever."
Fifth Doctor: "Oh, no. Really? Does he still have that rubbish beard?"
Tenth Doctor: "No! No beard this time. Well, a wife."
Fifth Doctor: "To days to come."
Tenth Doctor: "All my love to long ago."
Tenth Doctor: "You know, I love being you."
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Four moor peaces eye rote, sea hear.
Ever since I was a wee nipper and first saw his noble sacrifice at the end of Cave of Androzani Peter Davison has been one of my favourite Doctors and it was a complete joy to see him return to the role, however briefly.
ReplyDeleteI love how Moffat essentially took the micky out of the Fifth Doctor, namely the decorative vegetable and brainy specs, while at the same time paying loving tribute to the man he considers to be his Doctor. It was also great when David Tennant basically broke character to do the same thing.
And only Steven Moffat could find a way to make Belgium a source of galactic disaster, “That’s a bit un-dramatic, isn’t it? Belgium” :)
This was fun, probably the best mini-scene they've done for the series.
ReplyDeleteTennant and Davison worked well with each other. You tell there some mutual admiration for the other.
I really like this one! Glad I got these on DVD/Blu-Ray collections so stuff like this is included. Seeing 5 and 10 together was a treat, and Davison was excellent here.
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