The newest season, number 8 (or 34 if you include the classic series) kicks us off with its premiere on BBC One/BBC America this Saturday, 23rd August. We rejoin the Doctor beginning his Thirteenth regeneration, the role newly assumed by the magnificent Peter Capaldi (The Thick of It, In the Loop, World War Z), and there is usually no better time to hop on board the TARDIS as a new viewer than when a new Doctor arrives. Reading this article unaware of who or what Doctor Who is? Shame on you, but here is a little introduction to the show to catch you up.
BBC America Press Release
BBC AMERICA has announced the premiere date for the eighth season of Doctor Who. The feature-length episode, entitled “Deep Breath,” will air Saturday, August 23 at 8:00pm ET. The episode ushers in an exciting new era for the show as Peter Capaldi (The Musketeers, The Thick of It) steps into the role of the Doctor. Fans first got a glimpse of Capaldi’s Doctor in November’s 50th Anniversary Special, and again in the final minutes of last year’s Christmas Special, but the upcoming season premiere marks the first full episode for the Twelfth Doctor.
Capaldi will be joined by Jenna Coleman (Death Comes to Pemberley), who returns as companion Clara Oswald, and Samuel Anderson (History Boys, Gavin & Stacey) who joins the cast as Danny Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School where Clara also works. Previously announced guest stars include Ben Miller (Primeval, Death in Paradise), Keeley Hawes (Line of Duty, Upstairs, Downstairs), and Tom Riley (Da Vinci’s Demons).
Cast and crew have been criss-crossing the world doing promotional screenings and the word thus far is overwhelmingly positive. While some may worry about the relatability of an older, more authoritative figure in the titular role than the last few young (and according to some female friends of mine “rather dreamy” incarnations, in a way it is a return to the classic series with a more fatherly/mentor relationship between the Doctor and his companions. A returned air of distance and darkness about the figure, similar to the manipulative, cunning and mischievous Seventh Doctor (my personal favorite). Perhaps more fitting for a 2000 year old alien with a mastery of time and space. A more mature, more “alien” Doctor.
This has primarily come about from the character coming to terms with the loss of his fellow Time Lords, a contrast to the previous two incarnations (Tennant and Smith) labelled in the 50th Anniversary special as the “man who regrets and the man who forgets”. A cyclical arc for the character unable to deal with his actions in the Time War. Now empowered with the knowledge that his race has survived he has new impetus: the search for Gallifrey, likely to be a driving plot line over this and perhaps future seasons. This more removed and less flirtatious Doctor will be countered by the introduction of new companion Danny Pink, a school teacher colleague of current sidekick Clara. Again a throwback to the classic era when the Doctor usually traveled with multiple companions and was far less inclined to develop such intimate relationships.
The term “stripped down” has been used to describe the season, this seems to be reflected in the costume choice, apparent demeanor of the Doctor, as well as the structure of the show. Gone is the splitting of seasons and apparently the use of long arcs/mysteriess (the crack/impossible girl, etc.) lending the show a more focused and cohesive feel. I know many have criticized the show for being too complex of late, particularly with a large younger audience. It is not a sentiment I share but part of the appeal of the show is lack of fear to shake things up, even when it might not be necessary. You don’t last over 50 years without being proactive. I’m sure showrunner Moffat has some surprises up his sleeve. Some set photos have already alluded to this but a new actor in the role usually signals a fresh start.
The season opener Deep Breath has a synopsis that reads as: “When the Doctor arrives in Victorian London, he finds a dinosaur rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly spontaneous combustions. Who is the new Doctor and will Clara’s friendship survive as they embark on a terrifying mission into the heart of an alien conspiracy?” Written by showrunner Steven Moffat, the episode is 80 minutes in length, giving us ample time to meet our new Time Lord. The extra time and budget should allow for a grander beginning to the season helped by the recruitment of Ben Wheatley (Kill List, Sightseers, A Field In England) to the directors chair.
As with the 50th Anniversary episode last year, BBC America and Fathom Events are teaming up again for two days of theatrical screening events of Doctor Who‘s premiere episode, Deep Breath, in the U.S. The cinematic release will include 15 minutes of exclusive bonus content. On Saturday, August 23rd at midnight, there will be 12 theatrical events in 12 cities. On Monday, August 25th, the celebration goes nationwide with two showings at 7:00pm and 9:30pm (local time). The event will be presented in more than 550 select movie theaters around the country. To find somewhere near you with a screening visit the Fathom Events website here. After the growing interest in the show here in the states and the massive success of the theatrical 50th Anniversary episode screening, such a move makes sense. With the talents of Ben Wheatley behind the camera I’m sure such a presentation will take full advantage of its grander scale. As mentioned, Doctor Who is restored back to an uninterrupted full season run, which means a new episode every Saturday for the next 12 weeks. BBC America has released a number of promotional trailers and images for the upcoming season, which are added below.
TRAILERS
Teaser trailer 1:
Teaser trailer 2:
Teaser trailer 3:
Full length trailer for season opener Deep Breath
