Usually, hitting your fiftieth year is a time to slow down, but at the ripe old age of 51, Doctor Who is showing a refreshed energy lacking in most shows. One of the aspects of the show that is responsible for its longevity is the concept of “regeneration”. The titular character is an alien Time Lord, who journeys through time and space in his TARDIS, usually with a human companion. When he becomes old or injured his physiology allows him to revitalise his form and with it comes a different take on his appearance and personality, crafted by an entirely new actor. Season 8 (or 34 if you include the classic series) chronicles the first outing for the Thirteenth incarnation of the Doctor (played by Peter Capaldi) and offers a great chance to jump into the show. For the uninitiated, checkout my introduction to Doctor Who as a refresher on the series.
THE SHOWSeason 8 picks up with the Thirteenth Doctor suffering the after effects of his regeneration, a difficult time as he settles into his new form and discovers who he is. It’s always an interesting time. In past takes on this regeneration it’s been pretty much settled within one episode, aided by a cup of tea or bowl of fishfingers and custard. There was a deliberate move here to show the instability of the process and use it for narrative reasons. Capaldi’s Doctor is erratic, unsure of himself and those around him. As such the season is very unsettled and unpredictable, it is disconcerting and fascinating to watch as he finds his feet. This Doctor is not as warm and playful as his past two beloved incarnations, he is an acerbic curmudgeon, but brilliant with flashes of sarcasm and warmth. His casting harkens back to the type of performers who portrayed the Time Lord in his First through Eighth Incarnations, intelligent, mercurial, alien. He took a character many people loved and made him interesting once again. Some may be put off by an older actor in the lead but they are doing a disservice to the true character and the performance.
Continuing companion Jenna Coleman as Clara also has far more chances to shine. Her growth is a key component of the plot line this season and together they make for a fascinating pairing. The greater age gap removes the flirtatious element and allows for a different dynamic, one that serves Clara well and portrays her as a stronger character. Throw in a boyfriend for her as well as the task of living a double life, one as a teacher on Earth and another gallivanting with an alien around time and space, and you have ingredients for some great storytelling.
The modern seasons of Doctor Who are usually solid affairs, one or two weaker episodes and one or two standouts amongst a mostly entertaining season. This release, season 8 is notable in having an incredibly high standard throughout. Less frivolity and cheese, grittier affairs peppered with episodes that are an out and out blast. For detailed information on the episodes included read my separate reviews linked below.
Episodes of note include the Mummy On the Orient Express, a mystery and adventure that is fun and scary with some quality production design. Time Heist shows a clever plot, big scale and a Doctor Who spin on an Ocean’s Eleven homage. As ever, the standouts are the darker and more cerebral episodes such as Listen or Flatline. These are not just good/great episodes of Doctor Who, they are fine pieces of science-fiction storytelling in their own right.
There is an overarching mystery to the season that thankfully does not overwhelm the standalone episodes. It’s cumulation being surprisingly epic in scope and affecting in its emotional impact. The journey through the season is being used effectively to learn more about this new Doctor as well as his refreshed dynamic with Clara. It is one of the more cohesive and interesting seasons in years for the show.
THE PACKAGE As you would expect for a recently produced hi-def TV show, the transfer is very well done. Good quality source material tends to do that. A crisp image, good color transfer and no noticeable artifacts. The episodes and special features are spread over 4 discs in a cardboard/plastic book design with slip cover.
There are commentaries on four episodes, Into the Dalek, Robot of Sherwood, The Caretaker and Kill the Moon. It’s a tad underwhelming some of the more notable entries don’t get similar attention (cough Listen cough) but the insights into these four are welcome, notably hearing director Ben Wheatley (Kill List, Sightseers) and writer Phil Ford geek out. Short and similar documentaries The Ultimate Time Lord and The Ultimate Companion are retrospective clip highlights looking at aspects of the shows past presented by Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor. There are also a few Behind the scenes featurettes including a Tour of the TARDIS.
The real standouts are the Doctor Who Live Q&A and the World Tour: Earth Conquest Documentary. The former shows the live pre- and post-screening show bookending the season premiere Deep Breath and has much of the cast as well as fans involved. The latter shows insights of the cast traversing the States to promote the new season and does much to show off the love for the enduring TV series.
THE BOTTOM LINESeason 8 marks a shift in tone from the more youthful exuberance of the Tennant/Smith eras to a darker and more thoughtful approach. The device of regeneration is used better than any season previously, as an opportunity to explore how a new Time Lord defines himself as well as how he defines those around him. There are fun moments of adventure and excitement, smattered with those moments to drive kids behind the sofa, but this is a far more cohesive and mature take on Doctor Who than has been seen since perhaps Matt Smith’s inaugural season. Those who have watched will be pleased with this release while I urge those that may have been put off by the change in the lead to take a chance and rediscover what the show is really about. Season 8 is an impressive effort, features a high level of quality throughout, and is presented in a solid package with some entertaining extras. A great start for the Thirteenth Doctor; things bode very well for year 52.
Doctor Who Season 8 is available on blu-ray and DVD from December 9th, 2014. You can buy it from the BBC America Store or the Amazon link below.