Six, seven, eight, nine, ten: then I let it go again.

[strange_complex]

Only yesterday, someone was assuring me that Christopher Ecclestone wasn't going to quit as the Doctor after all, but that it was all a publicity stunt to get people excited. Guess not...

I'm sure this David Tennant guy will be fine, although I didn't watch any of Casanova, so I can't really comment myself. But it just annoys me that a whole incarnation has been used up on only one series, especially given the previous one was wasted on only a one-and-a-half-hour film. There are only 12 to play with, and the remainder need to be conserved! *mutters things about responsibility in the general direction of Christopher Ecclestone*

Also, if this must happen, I'd ideally like to see an older Doctor follow Ecclestone, just to keep a bit of variety in the role. Sure, there's a fine tradition of younger Doctors to follow - especially Peter Davidson. But I'd like to see an actor who can tap into those aspects of the Doctor's character so splendidly explored by people like Jon Pertwee.

Comments

[white_hart]

Casanova has actually been extremely good, and reassures me about Tennant's capability to play the Doctor. It's annoying that they've squandered two regenerations in such a short time, though (although Christopher Ecclestone is making far better mileage than Paul McGann managed!), but I can see that they felt they needed a big name to bring it back, and Big Names are not known for their sticking power...

[damien-mocata.livejournal.com]

*mutters something about Ecclestone not wanting to be typecast*

*mutters a whisper campaign to ensure he's always typecast ;-)*

[ex-kharin447.livejournal.com]

I agree that an older Doctor would be good; Ian Richardson, David Warner or David Collings maybe.

Still, I think Tenant will do well in the part, particularly given that he loves the programme (which Eccleston clearly doesn't; he wanted to work with Davies rather than wanting to play the Doctor) and will probably haved to be prised away from the part with a crowbar.

[qatsi.livejournal.com]

There are only 12 to play with

I'm sure that if the series is successful and it becomes necessary, they'll find a way to extend it (without body-snatching a la Anthony Ainley, of course).

[davesangel.livejournal.com]

I can't believe I fell for the rumours and stories that Christopher would be remaining in the role. Damn publicity stunts! :P
Whilst it is good that Tennant is a fan of the show, and thus might have more enthusiasm for the role, I think Richard E Grant or David Thewlis would have been better choices...Time will tell, I suppose.

[aletharch.livejournal.com]

I'm wondering if there isn't a plus side to the rapid turnover - having a regeneration so early on in the new series will be another good way of introducing the mythology to a new audience. Of course, doubtless kids' parents will have explained to them what Doctor Who is, but given how most of the emphasis of the series so far has been on leaking gradual bits of information about a largely mysterious 9th Doctor to the audience via Rose (the "Time War", the destruction of Gallifrey, the Daleks) then a regeneration at Christmas would be perfect.

Someone wrote something rather interesting that I hadn't thought of before. If Gallifrey has been destroyed and the Doctor is the last surviving Time Lord, then Susan, Romana and possibly Leela are all dead. While I'm not too rabid about fan continuity, I would be rather disappointed if Eccleston doesn't get a single line lamenting the death of his grand-daughter.

Ooh, this is terribly exciting, isn't it? I can't wait for tonight's episode!

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

*mutters about other things Pertwee is welcome to explore, e.g. my pants*

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I think the main thing about The new Dr Who is not the casting but that Russell T Davies is at the helm. I admire his writing no end.

I'm enjoying Ecclestone, but I thought Tennant was terrific in Casanova and now I'm impatient to see what he does with the Doctor.

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

Can't agree more. I really didn't want someone cast who would bugger off after a year, but clearly it was felt a Big Name was needed. And in fairness to Ecclestone, he never made any secret to the producers that he would only stay for a year. I still don't think changing lead actor so early is good for the show, and saying that it's good to introduce the audience to the concept of regeneration as soon as possible is just RTD making the best of the situation.

[purple-peril.livejournal.com]

I've completely missed the whole thing :(
Is anyone taping it?