“Deep Breath,” the premiere episode of Season 8 Doctor Who, marked not just a new season but a bold new era for the beloved sci-fi series. After the emotional farewell to Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor, anticipation and a touch of trepidation hung in the air as Peter Capaldi stepped into the TARDIS. This episode masterfully addresses the challenge of regeneration while delving into profound themes of identity, both for the Doctor and those around him.
The episode opens in Victorian London, a familiar and comforting setting thanks to the presence of the fan-favorite Paternoster Gang: Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax. Their investigation into a dinosaur inexplicably appearing in the Thames is a classic Doctor Who mystery, immediately drawing viewers back into the show’s unique blend of historical setting and sci-fi wonder. The arrival of the TARDIS, coughed up by the dinosaur, signals the start of the real adventure and the introduction of a Doctor strikingly different from his predecessor.
The regeneration is always a pivotal moment, and “Deep Breath” doesn’t shy away from the inherent trauma and identity crisis it brings. Clara, still reeling from the loss of the Eleventh Doctor, embodies the audience’s potential resistance to this starkly different Twelfth Doctor. Her initial reaction is one of confusion and rejection, struggling to reconcile this older, more austere man with the Doctor she knew and loved. In contrast, the Paternoster Gang, particularly Madame Vastra, embraces the change with an almost insightful eagerness. Vastra, with her long life and understanding of the Doctor’s nature, recognizes the essence of the Doctor beyond his physical form.
This dichotomy in reactions forms a central conflict of the episode, perfectly mirroring the audience’s own spectrum of feelings about a new Doctor. Clara’s struggle to accept the Twelfth Doctor is relatable, while the Paternoster Gang’s acceptance provides a guiding perspective for viewers who might be hesitant. This clever approach allows “Deep Breath” to bridge the gap between fan expectations and the bold new direction of season 8 Doctor Who.
The episode’s narrative quickly moves beyond the initial shock of regeneration as the dinosaur spontaneously combusts, leading the Doctor and his companions into a mystery involving Clockwork Droids. This element connects “Deep Breath” back to another Steven Moffat-penned classic, “The Girl in the Fireplace” from season 2. The return of these chilling villains, harvesting human parts to repair themselves, adds a layer of familiar horror for longtime viewers. The suspense is heightened in the unsettling restaurant scene where Clara and the Doctor attempt to escape, only to be met by the eerily synchronized movements of the cyborg waiters.
While the plot involving the Clockwork Droids is engaging, “Deep Breath” truly shines in its exploration of identity. The episode weaves this theme throughout multiple layers, starting with the contrasting reactions to the Doctor’s new face. Madame Vastra’s profound conversation with Clara about perception and acceptance is a highlight. Vastra’s veil becomes a powerful metaphor for how we perceive identity, stating, “I wear a veil as he wore a face. To be accepted.” She argues that Clara is fixated on the external, the “face,” and not seeing the underlying essence of the Doctor. When Clara asks when Vastra stopped wearing her veil, Vastra’s response, “When you stopped seeing it,” delivers a potent message about prejudice and acceptance.
This theme resonates even deeper in the Doctor’s own plea to Clara: “You look at me, and you can’t see me. Do you have any idea what that’s like? …I’m right here, standing right in front of you. Please, just…see me!” This vulnerable moment reveals the Doctor’s own struggle with regeneration and his desperate need for recognition, despite his changed appearance. It underscores the central question of the episode: what truly constitutes identity when physical form is so mutable?
To further explore this philosophical concept, the episode subtly introduces thought experiments like the Ship of Theseus. The Doctor himself brings up this paradox in a conversation with a Clockwork Droid, posing the question: “You are a broom. You take a broom, you replace the handle. And then, you replace the brush. And you do that over and over again. Is it still the same broom?” His surprising answer, “No, of course it isn’t!” seems to contradict his plea for Clara to see him as the Doctor. However, he immediately follows up with, “…But you can still sweep the floor, which is not strictly relevant. Skip that last part.”
This seemingly irrelevant part is, in fact, crucial. It hints at the Doctor’s core function, his raison d’etre. While his body and personality change, his fundamental purpose – to “sweep the floor,” metaphorically saving the universe and doing good – remains constant. This provides a compelling argument for the continuity of the Doctor’s identity despite his radical transformations.
Reinforcing this idea of enduring identity is the unexpected and emotionally charged cameo by Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor. In a phone call to Clara, orchestrated by the Twelfth Doctor himself, the Eleventh Doctor offers his endorsement and reassurance. This scene is a masterstroke, directly addressing any lingering doubts in the audience’s mind. The Eleventh Doctor, in his final act, bridges the gap between his era and the new one, urging Clara (and the viewers) to accept his successor. This powerful moment effectively merges the two incarnations in the audience’s perception, reaffirming the overarching identity of The Doctor despite the change in face.
Peter Capaldi’s debut as the Twelfth Doctor is nothing short of captivating. He immediately establishes a distinct persona, characterized by sharp wit, a touch of grumpiness, and a palpable intelligence. His comedic timing is impeccable, evident in lines like, “Sorry, I’m going to have to relieve you of your pet” and “Shut up, I was talking to the horse!” The episode also plays with his Scottish identity for comedic effect, highlighting the Doctor’s alien perspective on human norms.
Beyond the humor, Capaldi brings a gravitas and intensity to the role that hints at a more complex and perhaps darker Doctor. His portrayal emphasizes the “Time Lord” aspect of his identity, further underscored by the new opening credits featuring clockwork imagery and the ticking clock sounds woven into his theme music. This subtle shift towards time and its implications suggests that season 8 Doctor Who will explore new dimensions of the Doctor’s relationship with time itself.
Adding another layer of intrigue, “Deep Breath” is peppered with references to Sherlock Holmes, a nod to Steven Moffat’s other critically acclaimed series and the established connection between Madame Vastra and Arthur Conan Doyle within the Doctor Who universe. Vastra’s declaration, “The game is afoot!” and the mention of the “Paternoster Irregulars” are clear allusions to the Sherlock Holmes stories. The reference to the “Conk-Singleton forgery case,” a Holmes case mentioned but never detailed in canon, is a delightful Easter egg for fans of both shows, sparking speculation about potential future crossovers or webisodes.
Wibbly Wobbly Odds and Ends:
- The line “O Captain, My Captain,” delivered by the Doctor, resonates poignantly, especially given the passing of Robin Williams shortly before the episode’s release.
- The episode cleverly addresses Peter Capaldi’s previous appearances in Doctor Who, raising questions about the mechanics of regeneration and hinting at potential future storylines.
- The ambiguity surrounding the Clockwork Droid’s demise – murder or suicide? – introduces a moral grey area for this new Doctor, suggesting a more nuanced and potentially darker portrayal.
- The kiss between Madame Vastra and Jenny, while brief, is a significant and celebrated moment of representation within the episode.
“Deep Breath” serves as a masterful introduction to season 8 Doctor Who and Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor. It successfully navigates the challenges of regeneration, establishes a compelling new persona for the Doctor, and delves into fascinating philosophical themes of identity. By blending classic Doctor Who elements with fresh perspectives and sharp writing, “Deep Breath” not only satisfies longtime fans but also sets the stage for an exciting and thought-provoking new era for the Time Lord.
