Critical Ramble Through Matt Smith Tenure In Doctor Who

The British television series, Doctor Who, has spanned over several decades with multiple actors playing the iconic role of the Doctor. One of the standout portrayals came from actor Matt Smith, who took on the role from 2010 to 2013. In this critical ramble, we will explore Smith's tenure and discuss the impact he had on the show.

A New Chapter

When Matt Smith was announced as the eleventh Doctor, there was a sense of excitement and intrigue among Doctor Who fans. At only 26 years old, Smith was the youngest actor to take on the role, and there were concerns about his ability to live up to the legacy of previous Doctors. However, Smith quickly proved himself worthy of the role with his unique interpretation and youthful energy.

The Eleventh Doctor: a critical ramble through Matt Smith's tenure in Doctor Who

by Mike Taylor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1584 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Smith's Doctor brought a certain charisma that was both charming and quirky. His portrayal was often described as a blend of youthful enthusiasm and old soul wisdom. This unique combination allowed for some memorable and heartfelt moments throughout his tenure.

Memorable Storylines

One of the standout story arcs during Smith's time as the Doctor was the "Pandorica Opens"/"The Big Bang" two-part episode. This captivating storyline featured a complex plot involving time travel, multiple timelines, and a battle against some of the Doctor's most iconic foes. The episodes showcased Smith's ability to navigate intricate narratives while maintaining the emotional core of the character.

Another noteworthy storyline was the of the Silence, a mysterious alien species that could erase themselves from a person's memory as soon as they looked away. This chilling concept provided a fresh and intriguing antagonist for the Doctor to face, leading to some of the most suspenseful and thrilling moments in the series.

Companion Dynamics

Throughout his tenure, Smith had the opportunity to work alongside several exceptional companions. One of the most beloved partnerships was with Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan. The dynamic between the Doctor and Amy brought a mix of humor, friendship, and a touch of romantic tension. Their relationship evolved and matured over time, captivating fans and adding depth to the storylines.

Smith's Doctor also formed a strong bond with Rory Williams, Amy's love interest and eventual husband. The trio's dynamic created a perfect balance of humor, heart, and adventure. The chemistry between the actors shone through, making their interactions on screen a true delight to watch.

Legacy and Impact

Matt Smith's portrayal of the Doctor brought a unique energy and charm to the character that resonated with audiences worldwide. His tenure marked a significant turning point in the show's popularity, attracting a new generation of fans. Smith's Doctor became an icon in his own right, and his portrayal is still remembered fondly by fans to this day.

In , Matt Smith's tenure as the Doctor in Doctor Who was a critical success. His portrayal brought a fresh perspective and rejuvenated the show, ensuring its continued success for years to come. The memorable storylines, unique dynamics with companions, and Smith's undeniable talent made his time in the TARDIS an unforgettable chapter in the Doctor Who legacy.

The Eleventh Doctor: a critical ramble through Matt Smith's tenure in Doctor Who

by Mike Taylor (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1584 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	279 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

When Matt Smith appeared in his first Doctor Who episode, The Eleventh Hour, Mike Taylor bashed out a review on his blog, and was surprised to see it featured on Slashdot. He kept blogging about each episode of Smith's first two series, and discussing them with blog commenters. Along the way, he developed some ideas on what makes the show unique.

THE ELEVENTH DOCTOR contains Mike's reviews, discussions and digressions on all 43 of Matt Smith's episodes (including all of Series 7 and the recent specials), plus the two mini-episodes leading into the 50th anniversary. It also features series retrospectives, evaluations of the different Doctors, and a look forward to the next Doctor. Along the way, Mike talks about Steven Moffat's writing, Matt Smith's acting, how Karen Gillan's Amy shapes up against Jenna Coleman's Clara, the glory that is Rory, and the visual vocabularies of various episodes. He also contradicts himself repeatedly (it took him a while to figure out what he thought about some things), makes wildly inaccurate guesses about how series arcs are going to pan out, and gets sidetracked onto ubiquitous surveillance, Peter Jackson's Tolkien films, and how to make a perfect summer salad.

If you're not already a Doctor Who fan, this book will not convert you -- in fact, it may not even be comprehensible. If you're looking for facts and stats about the show, you won't find them here. But if you love Doctor Who and want to dig deeper into what makes it tick (and what sometimes stops it from ticking as well as it ought to), then THE ELEVENTH DOCTOR is for you.

“Doctor Who is a light-hearted TV show which occasionally touches on deep subjects. This is not lost on Mike Taylor, whose analysis of the show is equally deep. The commentary enriches the viewing experience, and casts an interesting new light on the action.” -- Nicolas Laurent.

“There is more to Doctor Who than a mad man in a box; Taylor brings a passionate and well read analysis to each episode. With comfortable writing he discusses themes, the writers and Matt Smith in light of story arcs, current affairs, classic Who, and Veronica Mars.” -- Jeff Mitchell.