That’s a little unfair, though: it was a logical plan underpinning this, and there’s already a clear ramification to it. Likewise, the War Doctor will always be a haunted one, and that was firmly made clear. Russell T Davies was always reluctant to head straight into the middle of the Time War itself, opting to tell the stories around it. Yet now that that proverbial casket is open, it’ll be interesting to see just what happens next. For just one minute though, it looked as if Ten and Eleven were going to be complicit in the mass destruction of the Daleks and the Time Lords. Can you imagine what impact that would have on the show? That Saturday teatime slot might have had to go for a start.
The aversion of the Time War though opens up a different way for the show to go, however, and there’s clearly a lot more story to be told there. It’s perhaps the one area of The Day Of The Doctor that’s going to most keenly debated by fans.
It’d be remiss not to note that as it turned out, it was two companions – of sorts – who were responsible in different ways for the assorted Doctors’ change of heart (and also gave a real purpose to them coming together. Even when 13 TARDISes joined forces at the end, this was no reunion for the sake of it). We suspected from the trailers that Billie Piper might not be playing Rose Tyler in this one, and so it proved. Instead, it was Bad Wolf Billie here – the flash of recognition in the eyes of Tennant’s Doctor was ripe for a bit more exploration, but that was left untouched – and the increasingly vital Clara. How pivotal has she become in the life of the Doctor too? We might not see Billie Piper again in Doctor Who now, but Jenna Coleman is arguably playing one of the most powerful companions the Doctor has every known. Again, there’s plenty there for the future.
“It Was The Horse! I’m Going To Be The King”!
There’s certainly a lot to ponder then, and The Day Of The Doctor is already an episode that’s clearly going to reward multiple viewings. But that’s not just because of the little touches and details laden within it. Primarily, it’s because it’s an strong, ambitious episode of Doctor Who. Moffat when he’s on top form writing Who blends comedy and narrative expertly, and this was one of his better adventures.
The Day Of The Doctor most certainly had an abundance of very, very funny moments in particular. We keep citing the wonderful Coupling when talking about Moffat’s comedy heritage (an exquisite TV comedy, that’s well worth digging out), but be it David Tennant talking to a rabbit, the recurring joke about marrying Queen Elizabeth I, or the simple comparison of TARDISes, we found ourselves guffawing throughout.
The Day of the Doctor, the highly anticipated 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, was more than just a celebration; it was a carefully constructed narrative that delivered both fan service and significant plot developments. The episode showcased a logical plan that unfolded, offering clear ramifications for the Doctor’s timeline and future adventures. Crucially, it solidified the War Doctor’s identity as a tormented incarnation, burdened by the Time War, a point powerfully conveyed throughout the special.
The Genius of Avoiding the Time War (Again)
Russell T Davies’s prior reluctance to delve directly into the Time War’s core narrative always allowed the peripheral stories to breathe. The Day of the Doctor initially teased a direct confrontation, making it seem as though the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors might become complicit in the double genocide of both Daleks and Time Lords. The potential fallout of such a decision would have been seismic, fundamentally altering the show’s premise and tone. However, the episode cleverly averted this path, opening up even richer storytelling possibilities. This strategic sidestepping of complete Time War resolution is arguably one of the most debated and fascinating aspects of The Day of the Doctor among Doctor Who enthusiasts, sparking countless discussions about its implications for the Doctor’s history and future.
Companion Power: Bad Wolf and Clara’s Pivotal Roles
Interestingly, the episode highlighted the crucial influence of companions, albeit in unconventional forms. Bad Wolf, a manifestation of Rose Tyler’s enhanced state, and the ever-present Clara Oswald served as catalysts for the Doctors’ change of heart. Their interventions provided a genuine purpose for the multi-Doctor team-up, moving beyond mere fan spectacle. The trailers cleverly misled viewers regarding Billie Piper’s role, revealing her not as Rose, but as the enigmatic Bad Wolf. The Tenth Doctor’s flicker of recognition hinted at deeper unexplored connections, adding layers to the scene. Meanwhile, Clara’s increasing importance in the Doctor’s life became undeniable. While Billie Piper’s future involvement in Doctor Who remained uncertain after The Day of the Doctor, Jenna Coleman’s Clara solidified her position as one of the most impactful companions the Doctor has ever encountered, paving the way for significant storylines to come.
Humor and Heart: Moffat’s Winning Formula in The Day of the Doctor
The Day of the Doctor is undoubtedly an episode that rewards repeated viewings, not just for its intricate plot and hidden details, but fundamentally because it’s a remarkably strong and ambitious Doctor Who story. Steven Moffat, at his writing zenith, masterfully blended comedy with compelling narrative. This special stands out as one of his finest contributions to the Doctor Who canon. The episode is replete with genuinely funny moments. Drawing parallels to Moffat’s sitcom Coupling, known for its sharp wit, The Day of the Doctor delivered consistent laughs. Whether it was David Tennant’s hilarious interaction with a Zygon rabbit, the running gag about the Doctor’s accidental proposal to Queen Elizabeth I, or the comical comparison of the various TARDIS interiors, the humor was expertly woven into the narrative, ensuring The Day of the Doctor was not only epic but also thoroughly entertaining.
