Nearly 20 years have passed since the day Christopher Eccleston regenerated into David Tennant on Doctor Who and yet the memories are just as vivid as if it were yesterday – granted, I may have rewatched it a few times but stay with me.
Two decades on, I have a lot more understanding as to why an actor like Christopher Eccleston, or indeed Ncuti Gatwa would choose to leave Doctor Who – what with the uncertainty of the Disney Plus deal and the show's future in general, not to mention a wealth of career opportunities ahead of him – but still, there was no less heartache involved as I watched him wrap up his tenure as the Fifteenth Doctor this weekend, gracefully bowing out after just two seasons on the show.
In short: he deserved more time.
After two seasons the Sex Education star deserves just as much clout and respect as any other Doctor for the impact he’s had on the series, the character and the fans. For me, he goes right into the Christopher Eccleston hall of fame, his statue just one plinth over from Jo Martin and Paul McGann.
Read more:
Jodie Whittaker makes surprise return to Doctor Who for major finale sceneDoctor Who viewers react as fan-favourite character makes unexpected comebackNcuti Gatwa has done the same. In a time where mysterious, heroic characters are a somewhat oversaturated trope on TV, the actor has once again moved the Doctor to the front of the pack and modernised him – how? By being shamelessly, unapologetically himself.
Even the fact that he changes his look every episode – a sticking point for some traditionalists – is part of this. Gone is the strict uniform that breeds a sense of detachment from the Time Lord and his surroundings, Gatwa’s Doctor absolutely revels in the places and cultures he travels to, and assimilates into them. He wants to see, hear and feel all of it.
Because of this, every side character feels so whole and their decisions feel weighted. Take The Story and the Engine from this series. The Doctor’s friend Omo (played by Sule Rimi) betrays him by allowing him into the Barber’s trap; where this would have previously been glossed over with a wrathful look or threat, Gatwa unleashes the full force of his hurt and loss, telling Omo his safe space has been taken away.
He also shows the Doctor’s shortcomings and ego more freely. In The Robot Revolution, seeing Belinda call him out for his assumptions and for taking her blood without permission, and likewise seeing him apologise for it so quickly, was unbelievably refreshing. I love the Doctor, but I think all Martha Jones fans will agree with me when I say he doesn’t apologise or admit his mistakes nearly enough.
This approach, of making the Doctor more open, more free and more true than ever, is something that just feels right for the character in the 2020s. However the series moves forward, it seems clear that a being with two hearts should feel and show everything. In that, Gatwa has created a new legacy, and, hopefully, changed Doctor Who for good.
Shine is certainly the word for it. This Doctor has glimmered, sparkled and shone more than a supernova. Across 18 episodes that have all varied in tone, type and quality, for me he has been the constant bright spot. His brightness and energy has been infectious, drawing the eye and leaving you unable to look away.
I am unbelievably sad to see him go so soon, but I wholeheartedly believe that the light and legacy he leaves will shine down on Doctor Who for years to come.
Add Doctor Who to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ncuti Gatwa deserves just as much praise as Christopher Eccleston after early Doctor Who exit )
Also on site :