This guy! No, that’s not the new drummer for whatever indie band the obnoxious teenager next door has stretched across his t-shirt, nor is that the obnoxious teenager himself. This is Matt Smith, the 11th Doctor of Doctor Who and, so far, the youngest to take on the role (born 1982). Check out this interview about his new role on BBC.
I don’t mind that it’s not a female or non-white Doctor. It would be terrible to force the gender-bending or desperately try to fill an ethnic quota. If Steven Moffat and company find that Smith is the best man for the new direction they are moving in, then I trust them. Plus, if they really wanted to change up that whole gender and race thing, they should try a Chinese-American female Doctor. Ahem.
However, I must admit that I am a little worried that they didn’t go for someone older and rougher-looking. Remember the old-school Doctors? Emphasis on old. Think of Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker… and then think of Chris Eccleston and David Tennant. Are they worried that the audience will tune out if the Doctor isn’t geeky-hot and super-adorable? I certainly would not have minded someone like Bill Nighy (not the Science Guy) in the role. He doesn’t quite fit the new series’ mold, but he’s still dashing in his own way.
I will withhold judgment about Smith until I see him running the TARDIS for the first time. Inevitably, I will still have some lingering affection for Ten(nant), but I will do my damnedest to give Eleven a decent chance to impress me. That is not to say I won’t make jokes about his hair, because it really does look like an indie mess.
Clacked by Annie Wu 
on Jan 03, 2009 @ 15:03 EST5EDT
I like an older Doctor, I like how the older Doctors come off as wise but yet playful. The first thing in my mind earlier was “Who is this?!”, but we will see in 18 months. :)
But after the events of the last season finale wouldn’t this new guy be the 12th Doctor?
“Plus, if they really wanted to change up that whole gender and race thing, they should try a Chinese-American female Doctor. Ahem.”
Now, Annie, we all know you’re destined for greatness…but I don’t think we’re ready for you to give up blogging just yet. No matter how much the BBC begs you, remember your fans here!
I really would have liked Bill Nighy. The biggest knock I have against Smith apart from his age is that he looks much too similar to Tennant — every previous transition has been much more radical, and this has been a major factor in what made the whole concept of “regeneration” work in a dramatic sense. Rather than trying to smooth it over and make it not too jarring, it *should* be jarring and unexpected. This choice, especially in light of the previous rumors, seems much too safe.
I agree… Grace Park would be a great doctor!
*ducks*
*crouches away*
Oh wait she’s Korean. But still… :-))
“a Chinese-American female Doctor”
Surely you mean an Asian-British female Doctor. Not going to happen. Gallifreyans are a gendered species. We’ve seen Time Lords and Time Ladies and Time Ladies (like Romana and The Rani) regenerate as time ladies.
Now an Asian-British companion, maybe with an East End accent…
“That is not to say I won’t make jokes about his hair, because it really does look like an indie mess.”
Well it’s at least a year away before we see him on screen (I expect the first time we see him will be the Christmas Special, then the next season will probably air around March/April), so maybe it will have changed by then ;)
Easter Special 2010 is the rumoured date for the switch to happen then several weeks later the new series/season will start.
“Are they worried that the audience will tune out if the Doctor isn’t geeky-hot and super-adorable?”
Actually … the answer is probably very much yes.
I watched the Confidential special (on channel BT, *ahem*) and they explained what they were looking for in the actor. Moffat wanted to cast someone late-30s, early-40s, but Smith apparently blew them all away. And he was auditioned on the first day.
Plus, there’s the bonus of him having a surname which fits in with the Doctor’s psuedonyms :)
I will still wear my black armband for David Tennant for a while. The biggest change I fear is RD leaving as producer!
I think the regeneration of the doctor is like Benjamin Button in which every time he regenerates, he will get younger and younger.
Annie Wu!
Well now, let’s see if you may qualify for the part of the doctor….
checklist:
1. You certainly have the attractive looks (most definately a cutie!) And this comes from an expert on beautiful women.
2. You have excellent powers of expression.
3. You are witty and engaging.
But can you act? Oh I’m sorry Annie….since you cannot prove you can act, I’m gonna have to go with My hero, Grace Park! (lol).