After experiencing the emotional farewell of David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor in “The End of Time,” taking a break from Doctor Who felt necessary. The connection with Tennant’s portrayal was strong, and the prospect of a new Doctor, along with a new companion, seemed daunting. However, the allure of Doctor Who is undeniable, and the buzz around Matt Smith’s arrival as the Eleventh Doctor, coupled with Steven Moffat taking the reins as head writer, proved too tempting to resist. Jumping into season 5 of Doctor Who was a plunge into the unknown, but it proved to be a brilliantly bizarre and captivating experience.
Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who Season 5, looking quirky and inquisitive.
Season 5 begins with “The Eleventh Hour,” a fantastic introductory episode that throws us headfirst into the new era. The regeneration scene leaves the TARDIS in tatters, and the newly formed Eleventh Doctor crash-lands in the garden of young Amy Pond. Amy’s childhood home is plagued by a mysterious crack in her wall, whispering voices, and a palpable sense of unease. The Doctor, in his typical chaotic fashion, investigates the crack, devouring fish fingers and custard, only to discover it’s a crack in space-time itself, announcing the escape of Prisoner Zero. Promising Amy a quick return in five minutes, the Doctor inadvertently takes twelve years in her time, returning to a grown-up Amy, played by the striking Karen Gillan. This reunion is far from ordinary, as the Atraxi, an alien species, arrive, demanding Prisoner Zero’s surrender and threatening Earth’s destruction. The Doctor, in his first display of Eleventh Doctor bravado, confronts the Atraxi, saving the planet and marking his territory as Earth’s protector. Another brief departure and two more years pass for Amy, with the Doctor reappearing on the eve of her wedding to Rory. Adventure calls, and the Doctor whisks Amy away to a starship in space, the U.K. Starship Britannia, where children are vanishing, and secrets lurk beneath the surface in “The Beast Below.”
The Eleventh Doctor and Amy Pond in "The Beast Below", exploring the mysteries of the Starship Britannia.
Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor: Bizarre Brilliance
The most immediate observation about Doctor Who season 5 is Matt Smith himself. He embodies the Doctor with a completely different energy than David Tennant. While Tennant was charming and relatable, Smith’s Doctor is intentionally more alien, eccentric, and unpredictable. His physicality is unlike any previous Doctor, all gangly limbs and wide eyes, capable of switching from utter silliness to intense seriousness in a heartbeat. Smith masterfully portrays the Doctor’s ancient wisdom and underlying empathy, even while delivering outrageous lines with perfect comedic timing (“Bow ties are cool.”). This Doctor has a fierce protective streak, particularly when confronted with injustice or needless suffering, traits that are quickly established in these opening episodes of season 5 doctor who. He might not be trying to win hearts with instant charm like Tennant, but Matt Smith’s Doctor is undeniably captivating in his unique and quirky way.
Amy Pond: A Companion with Charisma
Karen Gillan’s introduction as Amy Pond is equally impactful. From the outset, Amy is a fully realized character with a strong personality and captivating screen presence. She’s inquisitive, brave, and possesses a healthy dose of skepticism, making her interactions with the Doctor dynamic and engaging. Compared to companions like Martha or Donna, Amy feels instantly more central to the narrative and possesses a compelling backstory with the mystery of the crack in her wall. While her attractiveness is undeniable, Gillan brings much more than just looks to the role. Amy is smart, resourceful, and unafraid to challenge the Doctor, making her a refreshing and exciting addition to the TARDIS team. Her engagement to Rory hints at potential relationship complexities, a dynamic reminiscent of Mickey and Rose, but with Amy carving her own distinct path.
Steven Moffat’s Writing: Master of Modern Who
Steven Moffat’s writing in these opening episodes of Doctor Who season 5 immediately showcases his talent for crafting intricate, creepy, and clever stories. While “The Eleventh Hour” and “The Beast Below” might not reach the heights of “Blink” or “The Girl in the Fireplace” (yet), they demonstrate Moffat’s signature style of subverting Doctor Who tropes while delivering genuine scares. “The Eleventh Hour” stands out as a remarkably strong introduction for a new Doctor, arguably surpassing both Eccleston’s and Tennant’s initial episodes. It efficiently establishes the core of the Eleventh Doctor’s character while unfolding a compelling and self-contained narrative. “The Beast Below” delves into morally grey areas, presenting the Doctor with difficult choices and showcasing a more nuanced approach to his heroic interventions. Moffat’s era promises a blend of chills, thrills, and intellectual stimulation, setting season 5 doctor who on a path to potentially become a standout season.
The TARDIS materializing in Doctor Who Season 5, ready for new adventures in time and space.
Final Verdict: Season 5 is a Triumph
Doctor Who season 5 bursts onto the scene with a renewed sense of energy and imagination. While David Tennant and Billie Piper are dearly missed, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan inject fresh lifeblood into the series. The writing under Steven Moffat feels sharper and more inventive than the Russel T. Davies era, promising a season filled with captivating stories and memorable moments. With upcoming episodes featuring Daleks and Weeping Angels, season 5 doctor who is poised to be an exceptional chapter in the show’s long history. Matt Smith quickly proves himself a worthy successor to Tennant, and the season’s strong start suggests that this could indeed be one of the best seasons of Doctor Who yet.
Overall Score: A-
