The highly anticipated season 8 premiere of Doctor Who, “Deep Breath,” marked a significant turning point for the long-running series. For many viewers, particularly in regions like the United States where fan engagement has surged in recent years, this episode represented their first real-time experience of a Doctor regeneration. While binge-watching previous transitions on streaming services offers a retrospective view, “Deep Breath” plunged audiences directly into the immediate adjustment to a new iteration of the iconic Time Lord. This shift was underscored by live specials hosted by Chris Hardwick, engaging fans on social media with the #NewToWho hashtag, highlighting the diverse entry points into this beloved universe. However, beyond the online buzz, “Deep Breath” stood as a crucial episode, tasked with introducing Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor and setting the tone for Doctor Who season 8.
A Personal Journey into Doctor Who Fandom
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My own #NewToWho story began somewhat unexpectedly. Introduced to the series by a friend with a portable DVD player and a penchant for David Tennant, my initial foray into the Doctor Who universe started with Christopher Eccleston’s era. Knowing that the Doctor would regenerate at the end of the first season was a conceptual understanding, yet witnessing it was an entirely different experience. Eccleston’s Doctor, with his “Fantastic!” catchphrase, had become my Doctor. The arrival of David Tennant felt jarring, a stark contrast with his “Barcelona!” exclamation and broader grin. Initially resistant, much of my viewing experience of Tennant’s debut was colored by a sense of missing the previous Doctor.
Revisiting “The Christmas Invasion” and “The Eleventh Hour”: Lessons in Doctor Transitions
Looking back at “The Christmas Invasion,” David Tennant’s first full episode, I now appreciate its strengths. The Sycorax confrontation and the Doctor’s dramatic arrival signaled by the TARDIS translation matrix are genuinely thrilling. However, my first impression was dominated by a longing for Eccleston’s Doctor. The turning point came with “New Earth,” specifically Tennant’s portrayal of Cassandra possessing the Doctor. His sheer comedic physicality and the line about two hearts “beating out a samba” were moments uniquely Tennant, impossible to imagine with Eccleston. This cemented my acceptance of the new Doctor, paving the way for a deep dive into seasons 2 and 3.
Similarly, the anticipation surrounding Matt Smith’s arrival as the Eleventh Doctor was a new experience. Having followed the online speculation, “The Eleventh Hour” was met with initial resistance, echoing my reaction to Tennant. Again, the immediate thought was wanting the previous Doctor back. Yet, hindsight reveals “The Eleventh Hour” as a masterclass in introducing a new Doctor. It effectively rebooted the series, establishing Steven Moffat’s era and showcasing Smith’s captivating speech and unforgettable “I’m the Doctor. So, basically, run” line. These past experiences with Doctor transitions provided crucial context for approaching “Deep Breath” and Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who season 8.
Initial Hesitations with “Deep Breath” and Peter Capaldi’s Doctor
Applying these lessons in managing expectations, I approached “Deep Breath” with an open mind. Despite this, my initial reaction was lukewarm. Unlike some reviewers who were immediately captivated, I found Peter Capaldi’s Doctor unsettling. His performance, described by some as “bravura,” felt jarring, amplified by a sometimes-challenging Scottish accent. The opening scenes felt tonally inconsistent, bordering on slapstick, while Capaldi seemed to be navigating the role, searching for the right footing. However, amidst these initial reservations, glimpses of brilliance emerged, such as his interactions with the tramp and the memorable “attack eyebrows” line. Capaldi’s own admission that the character was still being defined even after filming the season further fueled this sense of a Doctor still in development.
Thematic Resonance Over Plot Mechanics in “Deep Breath”
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As is often the case with inaugural Doctor episodes, the plot of “Deep Breath” takes a backseat to character introduction and thematic exploration. The narrative, featuring clockwork droids reminiscent of “The Girl in the Fireplace,” and the reappearance of Madame Vastra and Jenny, serves as a framework for exploring themes of identity and adaptation. These elements, as noted by FilmSchoolRejects, suggest a thematic focus driving the plot, with the villains and returning characters mirroring the Doctor’s own process of regeneration and reinvention. The episode draws a clear parallel between the Doctor and the Faceless Man, highlighting the question of identity and self-recognition. The Doctor’s confrontation with the Faceless Man, forcing him to confront his stolen face in the mirror, is mirrored by the Doctor’s own reflection, prompting him to question the origin of his new face – a face viewers might recognize from Capaldi’s previous role in “Fires of Pompeii.”
While the plot mechanics might seem secondary, the thematic resonance of “Deep Breath” proves compelling. The clockwork droids, brought to life by director Ben Wheatley and the production design team, are genuinely unsettling and memorable antagonists. Moffat’s recurring motif of breath control, previously seen with the Weeping Angels and now with holding breath, adds a familiar tension to Clara’s escape attempts.
Clara’s Perspective: Navigating a Changed Doctor
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Similar to Rose in “The Christmas Invasion,” Clara serves as the audience surrogate in “Deep Breath,” grappling with the Doctor’s transformation. This approach, common in “New Doctor” episodes, allows viewers to experience the transition through the companion’s eyes. However, Clara’s situation differs from Rose’s. Having witnessed the Doctor’s entire timeline and regeneration cycle, Clara is theoretically prepared for this change. Yet, her emotional attachment to the Matt Smith Doctor, hinted at in “Time of the Doctor,” adds complexity to her struggle.
“Deep Breath” appears to actively dismantle the romantic undertones that had occasionally surfaced between the Doctor and his companions, including Clara. This shift, applauded by some critics, suggests a move away from the “Doctor-as-boyfriend” trope. However, the effectiveness of this approach is debatable, particularly as the romantic subtext between the Eleventh Doctor and Clara had been inconsistently developed. Furthermore, Clara endures a somewhat harsh treatment in “Deep Breath.” She faces judgment from Vastra, and the Doctor repeatedly abandons her, placing the onus on Jenna Coleman to prove Clara’s worthiness as a companion anew. Despite these narrative choices, Coleman’s performance shines, particularly in her confrontation with Vastra and her clever outwitting of the Faceless Man. This highlights a potential undercurrent of commentary regarding the treatment of female characters within Doctor Who, a topic of ongoing discussion surrounding the Moffat era. While season 7 positioned Clara somewhat as a plot device, “Deep Breath” attempts to explore her character more deeply, showcasing her resourcefulness and drawing upon her teaching skills to survive.
Echoes of a More Unpredictable Doctor
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The moment in “Deep Breath” where the Doctor leaves Clara to face the droids alone initially felt jarring, a departure from the more overtly compassionate Doctors of recent years. It prompted a sense of dislike for this new, seemingly callous iteration. However, this action inadvertently evoked a comparison to the Sylvester McCoy era Doctor. McCoy’s Doctor frequently employed manipulative tactics, often placing his companion Ace in perilous situations, albeit with a convoluted rationale. This darker, more morally ambiguous portrayal of the Doctor is not entirely new to Doctor Who. Recalling the eras of Colin Baker and Tom Baker further reinforces the idea that the Doctor has not always been the overtly lovable figure presented by Tennant and Smith. Capaldi’s Doctor, in pushing a robot to its apparent death (despite its balloon-based escape attempt), and his ambiguous reaction to the Faceless Man’s demise, introduces a welcome element of uncertainty.
This shift towards a less predictable Doctor aligns with Steven Moffat’s stated intention to “shake up the formula” for Doctor Who season 8. “Deep Breath” reflects this by employing longer scenes, a more deliberate pace, and a less prominent musical score than the bombastic cues often associated with the Smith era. While intellectually appreciating this change, a degree of apprehension remains regarding a Doctor Who era led by a Doctor who might not be immediately likable. However, the episode’s concluding scene, where Capaldi’s Doctor expresses his vulnerability and need for Clara’s acceptance, hints at hidden depths beneath the gruff exterior. This vulnerability, coupled with a need for connection, ultimately resonates as fundamentally “Doctor,” suggesting a compelling and nuanced character arc for Doctor Who season 8.
Concluding Thoughts on “Deep Breath” and the Road Ahead
“Deep Breath” is not without its imperfections. Initial pacing issues and a somewhat underdeveloped plot are noticeable. However, as an introduction to Peter Capaldi’s Doctor and the thematic direction of Doctor Who season 8, it succeeds in posing intriguing questions and setting a new course. The episode deliberately challenges audience expectations, moving away from the familiar charm of recent Doctors and embracing a more complex and morally ambiguous portrayal. Whether this shift will fully resonate with all viewers remains to be seen, but “Deep Breath” undeniably signals a bold and potentially rewarding new chapter for Doctor Who. Season 8 promises to be an exploration of uncharted territory, demanding viewers to adapt and engage with a Doctor who is intentionally less easily defined, and all the more fascinating for it.
