Sci-Fi Storm

Yesterday we bid adieu to another Doctor, on the annual Christmas special episode, “Twice Upon A Time”, Peter Capaldi’s final appearance is the title role of Doctor Who, 4 years to the day of his official debut. In the episode the 12th Doctor crosses paths the “THE” Doctor, the original (played by David Bradley, who played the original actor, William Hartnell, in the dramatization of the original production of Doctor Who, “An Adventure in Space and Time”), when both contemplate fighting against regenerating and allowing themselves to die. They both soul search over their decisions while at the same time struggle over the life of a World War I soldier (played by writer/actor Mark Gatiss) who was taken away from certain death on the battlefield by an unknown force that could stop time. Incidentally, another cameo that you have have missed – the German soldier in the crater with him was played by Toby Whitehouse, who has also written a number of episodes and is also the creator of Being Human.

Now, it wouldn’t be an episode of Doctor Who if some liberties in continuity, established canon, etc. aren’t taken. If you are a sticker for those things, you probably have given up on Doctor Who in the 60s aren’t aren’t reading this anyways. But the important points were the emotional ones, between the characters and with themselves. And when it is revealed who the soldier is, it hits you right in the feels for fans of the classic run of the series.

Especially compelling is the advice that the 12th Doctor gives to himself – well, his future self. While I don’t have the same feeling of loss as with after Ten and Eleven left, I will still miss the old fool – but I am excited to see what new directions we are going in…