Fuck, Yes!

[netgirl_y2k]

My interest in Doctor Who has been waxing and waning (largely waning) under Moffat's reign, but I dutifully tuned into the announcement of the next Doctor and colour me delighted. Peter Capaldi is a fucking amazing actor, and I can totally see him playing a Doctor with gravitas. I also like that he's an older dude, I know it's not the diversity coup that a lot of people were hoping for, but it'll be nice to have a break from the young 'uns.

I was perhaps the only person in the world surprised by the announcement. I know Capaldi was the bookies favourite, but, well, last time they said it was going to be Paterson Joseph. And did I imagine it, or did Moff (or maybe it was Davies) not give an interview once saying that because of the physicality and intensity of the filming schedule we'd probably never see another actor over fifty in the role? So between the age thing and thinking that someone at the beeb might quail at the thought of casting the guy best known as Malcolm Tucker on their flagship family show, I really thought it would turn out to be someone else.

Speaking of, I like to think that as we speak ten year olds all over the country are typing "Peter Capaldi" into the YouTube search box and the subsequent streams of invective are bringing their parents running in from other rooms.

For what it's worth, I still want a female Doctor, but not as written by Moffat. Also, I thought that responding to Helen Mirren's calls for a female Doctor by saying that he thought it was time for "...the Queen to be played by a man" was kind of shitty. Okay, a lot of Moff's humour falls flat with me, but, really, how hard is it to say: It doesn't contradict the mythology of the show, we didn't go that way this time, but nothing's ruled out for the future?

I'm also relived that it's not Cumberbatch or Colin Morgan, two names I saw bandied about in the early days of speculation, both choices that would have been dealbreakers for me.

But, basically, Fuck Yes, Peter Capaldi! I hope they let him play it with his natural accent, for I shall be weak for a Scottish Doctor.

Comments

[spiralsheep]

I tend to be of the opinion that Capaldi's a good choice for almost anything. I hope he's allowed to occasionally be sinister/alien without the show as a whole bringing the irritating "edgy" bullshit.

[netgirl_y2k]

Yep, if in doubt Peter Capaldi is never a bad answer.

I am so, so excited to see what he's going to bring to the role.

[such_heights]

I AM SO EXCITED. I was in the audience for the show and I shrieked a lot. :D

[netgirl_y2k]

ALL HAIL OUR NEW OVERLORD TIME LORD, PETER CAPALDI!

[kmo]

if i couldn't have a Lady Doctor, I was holding out hope for Idris Elba. that said, i think Capaldi is a fine actor, loved him in everything he's been in, and am so happy they didn't go with another twinky 20 year old. also, i think you're onto something about the first female doctor needing to be written by NOT Moffat.

[netgirl_y2k]

Yeah, I'm pleased by Capaldi partly because I think he's a terrific actor who could do amazing things with the part, but also because I think he is as different from Smith as we were ever likely to get, and more so than I feared, so I wasn't as disappointed as I would have been if I'd thought there was actually any chance of us getting a woman or a person of colour.

And the interview with him only cemented my long held view that Capaldi is a charming and engaging guy.

Moffat on the other hand came across as a giant, giant douche. Dude, we get it, you're not in favour of having a female Doctor, but like it or not it's a discussion that's happening, and if you can't respond gracefully don't respond.

[lilacsigil]

Eurgh, shut up Moffatt. (He does know that role of the Queen will be assumed by a man when she dies, yes? And Gerry Connolly, among other men, have been playing the Queen for years?)

[netgirl_y2k]

The best response I have seen to this thus far is that next head writer for Doctor Who should be played by a woman.

But, yes, just shut up, you awful, awful little man.