| Broadcast under intense speculation as to whether it would lead to David Morrissey taking over the title role (he didn't), Doctor Who: The Next Doctor actually turned out to be a really enjoyable 2008 Christmas special for the show, crammed with action and ideas. The premise of The Next Doctor, that there are two Doctors on the go, is set up early, as David Tennant’s Doctor encounters Morrissey’s character wielding a screwdriver, talking of the TARDIS, and fighting foes. This allows Tennant to slip into the role of the assistant, and his double act with Morrissey is excellent, with the latter making the most of a meaty, evolving role. Also winning the acting plaudits though is the villain of the piece, played by Dervla Kirwan. She’s scene-stealingly good here, and next to her, the returning Cybermen look surprisingly tame, even considering the surprises that the episode throws up as it enters its final act. The Next Doctor isn’t a perfect episode by any means, and the terrific Christmas Invasion is surely the best Yuletide installment to date. But it’s an entertaining, busy, and ambitious hour, and worth seeing for Morrissey and Kirwan alone. --Jon Foster |
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 Immensely entertaining, a prime example of modern Dr. Who |
| Review Date: July 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Gammill, West Point, MS United States |
The thing that immediately impressed me about "The Next Doctor" was that you don't necessarily have to be a long-time fan to enjoy it. But for those viewers who ARE faithful followers of the traveling Time Lord (myself included), it's a fine combination of elements that have traditionally worked in Doctor Who stories. The episode is full of action, humor, pathos, better-than-average performances, and a sense of wonder that has long been missing from t.v. science fiction.
[SPOILERS AHEAD] The Doctor is delighted to find himself in Victorian England at Christmastime. He is soon surprised, however, to encounter another fellow claiming to be "the one, the only, the best" Doctor. With his own companion, sonic screwdriver (sort of) and TARDIS (a wonderful twist which I refuse to spoil), this Doctor is man with some crucial memories missing. What the REAL Doctor finds out about this mystery man is tragic yet inspiring, and touches on the whole history of the series. Oh, and did I mention the Cybermen are on-hand as well?
The entire production is first-rate, from the gorgeously-realized snowy streets to the impressive spectacle of the Cyber King on the march. Guest star David Morrisey is so good in his role, you almost wish he WAS the next Doctor. And like the best of the modern episodes, the resolution is both satisfying and leaves you wanting to see more.
The disc also includes an interesting special, "Doctor Who at the Proms." This is an hour-long concert of the show's music peformed at the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to big screens projecting images from the show's first 4 seasons, there are actors dressed as Cybermen, Judoon, etc. that roam through the aisles to the delight of the crowd. Freema Ageyman hosts, with a special appearance by Catherine Tate. It's a fun way to enjoy the great music from the show.
I have no doubt that BBC will eventually release all the one-off specials featuring David Tennant in a box set when all is said and done. But if you can't wait, "The Next Doctor" is a perfect way to pass the time.
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Should have been the "next doctor"!
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| Review Date: September 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Christopher Abbot, Oak Bluffs, MA |
For reasons passing understanding, this program, the Christmas Doctor Who special for 2008, has been released this month (September), while its successor in this season of Doctor Who specials on the BBC, "Planet of the Dead", was released earlier this summer. This episode is by far the superior story.
The strongest element in the program, besides the characteristically endearing Doctor of David Tennant, is the "Doctor" of David Morrissey (for those who haven't seen the episode, I'll leave it at that). Morrissey is familiar to many of us for his stellar contributions to "State of Play" and the BBC "Sense and Sensibility". Morrissey is, by turns, dashingly heroic, confused, and crushed, as the true nature of the presence of Tennant's Doctor is made manifest. His is that increasingly rare feature of the "new" Doctor Who--a sympathetic male companion, evoking nostalgia for the likes of Nicholas Courtney's Brigadier and the late Ian Marter's Harry Sullivan, not to mention Frazer Hines' Jamie.
Dervla Kirwin is delightful as the villain, following in the footsteps of such Doctor Who femmes fatale as the Rani and Chesene, the murderous Androgum. And Russell T, Davies' favorite baddies the Cybermen make a grand appearance as well.
The screenplay is superb, set in a Dickens Christmas London, one of the time periods that this era of Doctor Who has been most successful at evoking. There isn't a wasted scene, as the script moves at a fast pace, but manages to give Morrissey time to flesh out his character.
These one-shot episodes are pretty skimpy as to extras, and this one features only one--but it's pretty special: the BBC Night at the Proms concert that was devoted to the music of Doctor Who, composed by Murray Gold. Freema Agyeman serves as MC, and there are guest appearance by Catherine Tate, Davros, and several Cybermen, Sontarans, Judoon and an Ood or three. The highlight is a special video appearance by David Tennant's Doctor.
It will be a sad day indeed when Tennant's Doctor regenerates into his new body in the person of Matt Smith. This terrific program gives us an insight into what might have been.... |
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