Top Five: 50 Years Of Doctor Who, Twelve Doctors, Five Favorites
Today is Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary, in case you hadn’t noticed by the Google Doodle and pretty much everyone online talking about it non-stop for the past month or so. It is also another day closer to Matt Smith’s departure with this year’s Christmas special. In the spirit of celebrating both the show and Smith’s place in its illustrious history, we’ve compiled a brief list of the most memorable Doctors in DW history, to see where Smith ranks among them.
Image caption Excited about the anniversary? You should be.
- This spot is often given to Peter Davison, aka The Fifth Doctor. His hiring at the time was somewhat controversial, since he is the youngest actor (besides Matt Smith himself) to take on the part of the centuries-old Time Lord. We’ve got to give it to Davison, however. He did create a complex character and was really adept at portraying the Doctor’s internal conflict. Fifth place it is.
Image caption Peter Davison had it tough as the youngest Doctor, but he handled it with grace.
- Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor. Let’s consider that at the time when Troughton took over, the whole Regeneration thing was just an experiment. It could have very easily failed and Troughton could have been the very last Doctor. Instead, he gracefully took over the role from the beloved William Hartnell and gave the role its characteristic quirkiness. At the same time, Troughton’s Doctor was definitely a dangerous man to mess with. And who doesn’t love a complex character, right? Unfortunately a lot of Troughton's episodes have been lost, but the BBC recently released a remastered version of one classic.
- This is where we would put Matt Smith. During the 11th Doctor’s time is when DW truly became a wordwide phenomenon, worthy of its very own Google Doodle and that would never happen without Smith’s Doctor. He’s the youngest ever to play the Time Lord, but also managed to imbue the role with enough power and weariness to make it believable. Remember that speech at the end of The Pandorica Opens? Point made.
- Now we’re getting to the highly controversial top spots, but few people would debate Tom Baker, the fourth Doctor’s right to be here. For many, the surly wit of Baker’s Doctor (not to mention his instantly recognizable multicolored scarf) is what defines the Doctor in general.
Image caption For many fans, Tom Baker's portrayal defines the Doctor.
- Now everybody has their favorites, and there will be plenty of people to disagree with this, but give it up for David Tennant, everybody. For fans across the world (this staff writer included) Tennant was their introduction to a series that, to an outsider sounds like pure, unadulterated madness (cue “300” jokes). Tennant’s tenth Doctor was conflicted and troubled by the horrors of the last Time War, but he also had a childlike excitement for the wonders of the Universe. And of course, his unfailing love for the human race was a consistent theme throughout Ten’s run. He was also a lot like humanity in his thirst for life. Yeah, I may or may not have cried at that last line during The End of Time. Admit it, it’s tear-worthy. Luckily, Ten will be returning in The Day of the Doctor tomorrow! Hurrah!
Watch the video of Ten's regeneration below. Then cry. A lot.