Doctor Who (2015)

Although he is generally credited as the "War Doctor" (for simplicity's sake), in the context of the narrative he isn't a "Doctor" at all...

For certain reasons within the fictional narrative, the John Hurt incarnation renounces the adoptive moniker of "Doctor" (and the pacifistic promise-to-himself which it is there to remind himself of - as explained in some Matt Smith-era dialogue/blurb). I suppose that *technically* this decision is made (arguably under duress?) by the Paul McGann incarnation in his dying moments, during that online mini-episode prequel to the 50th anniversary special.

Therefore, although Hurt is the true 9th incarnation of the character, he isn't a "Doctor". Hence, the "incarnation numbers" and "Doctor numbers" then diverge - e.g. Christopher Eccleston is the 10th incarnation but only the 9th "Doctor", and so on.

As others have already said, the "wasted" regeneration that happened mid-Tennant era means that Tennant is effectively both the 11th & 12th incarnations (and yet only the 10th "Doctor" throughout), and so the two different numbering systems diverge still further.

Things will now always remain a bit complex, numbering-system wise - e.g. Capaldi being simultaneously all of the following things: The 12th "Doctor" / the 14th overall incarnation / the 1st incarnation of the character's "2nd life cycle" (as granted to the aged/dying Matt Smith incarnation by the Time Lords).

Who said science-fiction is complicated?!

Some say the rejuvenated Matt Smith at the end of Time of the Doctor was the first incarnation of the new cycle (after the "reset"), and that Capaldi is the second.

#canofworms (!)

I highly doubt that the BBC/Moffat/narrative/canonical intention subscribes to that school of though. And neither do I. And I've not even heard of that interpretation until this very moment.

I really hope she is a good, as there is a lot resting on her shoulders as the first female doctor and to resurrect the show after Capaldi. As someone that has come out of the blue at this last minute stage, she is clearly not a name that would have been thought of without the rumour mill, so she is a bit of a risky choice.

All I know her from is Broadchurch, so hopefully she has shown all of the qualities required of a doctor in her audition, as there are other female candidates that would have been suitable.

Some might say that a perfect example of being 'a dick' would be to say that anyone who holds an opinion which differs from yours is one. How about - you can have your opinion and others can have theirs?

[Post immediately before mine was deleted, thus rendering this post in response invalid.]

Depends why you're unhappy about it - if someone is unhappy with it because the person cast is a woman then I don't think there is a valid point and therefore will happy disagree.

As a supporter of equality, I hope both the male and female contenders had the same chance as each other of getting the part, and that Jodie was, in fact, the best out of the choices. I don't watch Doctor Who so I don't really care who the new Doctor is. However, I'd be really disappointed if Jodie wasn't picked for her talent and instead because casting another man would spark a tirade of sexism accusations.

We're never know will we.

I woke up in a cold sweat this morning, following a nightmare in which the new Doctor was revealed as Th*resa M*y.

There was lots of suggestions about casting a female actor in the role last time, no one was demanding it happened.

Casting is a creative decision, they don't have to justify anything to anyone as to what they do with their programme. It really doesn't matter who they cast as Dr Who - it's sci-fi they are literally making up their own reality. It could be played by a monkey if they thought it would benefit the series


I'm trying to think of some, let alone plenty. Please go on....

Thought I'd offer my view for the 0 of you that care. I'm against this but not just because "the doctor's a man isn't he".

I'd call myself a feminist meaning I want equality for the sexes. I see feminism as making sure no gender is discriminated against and we allow equality to become part of society not change society to bring about a fake equality. To me this appointment is an example if the latter. This is making a change to try and make the BBC seem like supporters of feminism when to me it shows them to support the irritating extreme feminism which gives the cause a bad name. In a truly equal society we would respect each sex for what they are. Men play men and women play women.

I just think this whole this is ridiculous. Would you have a woman play James Bond? No. Would you have a man play Wonder Woman? No. The same applies to me.

Rant over.