Feature: Speculating on the Future of David Tennant’s 14th Doctor
Feature article by guest contributor Albert Connors.
Since “The Giggle” concluded, I have been pondering the future of David Tennant’s 14th Doctor. I believe Russell T Davies’ narrative twist of bi-generation has not only reshaped the show’s canon, but has opened the door to an array of creative prospects. This move seems far too significant to be a mere narrative sleight of hand. I believe it hints at larger plans for Tennant’s Doctor. Here are my thoughts on what this could entail.
A Spin-off
Personally, I quite like the idea of a new spin-off that explores the now ‘retired’ Fourteenth Doctor. He could be wrestling with his new life, one that’s a stark contrast from his relentless adventures in time and space. This series, from my perspective, would be an opportunity to delve into the psychological complexities of adapting to normalcy—a side of the Doctor we rarely see. I imagine storylines that focus on personal and local conflicts, offering a more grounded and introspective narrative. In this phase of the Doctor’s life, I see a chance for a different storytelling approach, where we see a contemplative Doctor reflecting on his past and facing new challenges. The addition of new characters, integral to his changed lifestyle, would add depth, offering a character-driven, less hectic Doctor Who experience that delves into the subtler aspects of the Doctor’s character and choices.
A Movie
A new Doctor Who movie has been long-mooted, but never realized. In 2011, Harry Potter director David Yates was confident it was happening, but it never came to be. Sony Pictures were reported to be leading the charge, and curiously they now own a majority stake in Bad Wolf, the production company currently behind Doctor Who. One of the issues back then was that this Sony movie was going to have to abandon the series continuity, as with the 1960s films starring Peter Cushing. But, Tennant’s incarnation now has the potential to bridge the gap, presenting a new narrative with cinematic scope that goes beyond TV’s limitations but is also still attached to the TV show. I envision a movie on a grander scale, featuring epic adventures and encounters. A movie could potentially broaden Doctor Who’s audience too, setting the stage for a big franchise.
An Event Episode
The idea of an event episode (perhaps a finale) featuring a crossover between the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Doctors is something that really excites me. The interaction between Tennant’s retired Doctor and Ncuti Gatwa’s space-travelling current Doctor could expand on “The Giggle”. It would offer a unique dynamic, allowing for a fascinating exploration of how different incarnations of the same character can influence and learn from each other. This episode could provide deeper insights into the Doctor’s character, and even pave the way for future story arcs. Such an event, I believe, would not only captivate long-time viewers like myself but also attract new fans, drawn by the spectacle and the promise.
A Back-up Plan
Keeping the Fourteenth Doctor around might just be a clever back-up plan by Russell T Davies— a strategic weapon for “emergencies”. As we’ve seen before, the new Doctor usually starts off with high ratings, fuelled by peak curiosity, but it’s not uncommon to see a decline as the novelty wears off. Jodie Whittaker’s era started extremely high, but dropped in viewership with each episode. I suspect RTD might be looking to avoid a similar fate with Gatwa’s Doctor. Having Tennant’s Doctor in reserve could be RTD’s way of ensuring a safety net—a familiar face to return to if needed, which could help stabilize the show during transitional phases or in times of uncertainty.
Conclusion
I find the future of the Fourteenth Doctor to be filled with exciting possibilities, spanning from spin-offs and movies to crossover events. No matter which direction RTD decides to take, the existence of this unique incarnation of the Doctor adds an interesting dimension to the Doctor Who universe, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes from here.
