Why I Love The Second Doctor
Connor Johnston celebrates Patrick Troughton’s incarnation of the Time Lord.
When William Hartnell eventually relinquished the titular role in 1966, the fans of Doctor Who were left wondering – who would fill the shoes of the man that was essentially, Doctor Who? It was then we met Patrick Troughton, who brought a more energetic and eccentric style to the role then his predecessor, but still exhibited the same vigour and presence so integral to the character.
Troughton was the epitome of an actor’s actor. As a colleague, many who had the unequivocal honour of working with him have noted his infectious enthusiasm for the art he created. He read his lines as a rough approximation of the script, fresh and different each time, to give options for the edit and to keep his fellow cast members on their toes. He rarely gave interviews, stating that he regarded acting as ‘magic’ and that “detailing the processes would spoil it for people.” It this passion and spontaneity of his personality that translated so effortlessly into his portrayal of the Doctor – and this that those who have been inspired by his work both in Doctor Who and across the myriad of roles attributed to his name love and remember him for today.
Patrick’s Doctor was (and in my eyes remains) one of the most diverse and complex interpretations to date. His ability to manipulate wit and cheek and still be very authoritative in presence at the same time is one that we can only marvel at. It not only takes a powerful actor, but a genially humble and potent man to inhibit the screen in the way Patrick did constantly episode after episode. His screen-presence does more than draw your attention, it almost demands it!
You would be forgiven for being consumed in Pat’s passion, for the clear reason that it’s so clearly evident and poignant through his portrayal. Arguably it is Patrick more than any other Doctor whose style and interpretation of the character is clear and evident in the work of his each of his successors. This only stresses how fundamental he remains in the shows long history and why it’s he specifically I have no hesitation in singling out among the long and talented list of actors that have taken up the role as being the most crucial in regards to the shows continued success; both at the time of his tenure and long after.
But perhaps on top of his incredible acting abilities and immeasurable screen presence – it’s Patrick’s indubitable chemistry with all he shared his role with that is truly his best quality. Patrick’s Doctor worked with his companions in a way that is unique to his venture – he was their best friend. There’s something about the chemistry Pat shared with all around him that reinvigorates the show. Much of the best dialogue between the Doctor and companions comes from the Troughton era. Possibly the difference between the Second and First Doctors is that Troughton excels, with a more gentle, inclusive relationship with his companions. Particularly, the way Patricks’ Doctor and Jamie work off each other is extremely nostalgic to look back on; with every interaction between the two being so effortless, both their on and off screen relationship showing that a certain friendship and trust has developed over time. Episode after episode we are bombarded with perfect examples of how inseparable the fun pairing is through both their ability to work together extremely effectively and their lack of fear to give each other lip – motivated by a genuine affection between the two rather than malicious intentions.
However, it’s not only the incredible chemistry he shares with his companions I wish to draw your attention to today, rather his ability to enhance every guest actor he shares the screen with. For it’s his aptitude in enhancing the roles and talents of other people that prove really what a humble and diligent man he was, exceedingly deserving of the high praise we pay him today.
The Second Doctor was very much a little boy stuck in the body of an old man, a free spirit eager to explore the universe, ready to see the millions of sights that awaited him, but his presence was also a very strong one at the same time. Facing enemies like Salamander, the Great Intelligence, Daleks, Ice Warriors, Cybermen and even Sontarans in “The Two Doctors”, the Second Doctor never backed down on what he believed in, and stood for morals, freedom and compassion. In one word, the Second Doctor was ‘passionate’, and will sit forever in my heart, as the Greatest Doctor of the all; and even though Patrick isn’t with us any longer, we celebrate his birthday today through a legacy which remains intact due his dedication and loyalty, to Doctor Who. As an extra special birthday treat we’ve attached a particularly impressive tribute to Pat’s time on Doctor Who below.
Happy Birthday Pat!
