Theta_Sigma: My only correction to what was said earlier, but Eccleston's season was 27 NOT season 1. Sorry but it isn't a reboot series, so calling it season one is incorrect, I don't mean to be pedantic, but it bothers me a bit when people say it that way. Series 1 is a more accurate description as is how it was labeled. Again, I apologize for being pedantic, I just get a real bee in my bonnet about that.
Now on to the subject at hand, I am really pissed off about this news. I am not sick of Matt Smith (in fact I have found his portrayal (despite Moffat making some so-so stories since becoming show runner) to be spot on as The Doctor), but I think it's far too soon to use a regeneration as this just forces the character's time to run out sooner. I guess I miss the days of Tom Baker, or Paul McGann (if you take the audio dramas into account) where there was more time given to the incarnation. I do think that Smith is being pushed out rather than out of his own desire, when you see him in interviews he always has such joy in his face when talking about DW. Now, I am not saying that IS true, but it is the impression I get.
There are a slew of actors I'd love to see take up the mantel, and I would love to see the show go down the Cartmel Masterplan route. I have no doubt that the Doctor will some how get more regenerations, some how. As in all reality this is the BBC we are talking about, and they made the mistake of killing the golden goose once, they will not likely do it again. They would more likely boot Moffat as showrunner than let him kill that cash cow.
I am used to change in DW, since I've watched the show for the last 30+ years (my father introduced me to the show when I was a few months old, and it is one of my earliest and most pleasant memories watching the show together), but the rate of regenerations have been used up is a bit slower than some old series Doctors, but still with so few left (well possibly none), you would think they would have been more careful. Anyway, I know a lot of classic who fans will say "Lungbarrow isn't canon", and yes to a large degree I agree, but there are certain aspects of it that could be worked into the plot, in "the Other" ways (wink wink, nudge nudge).
It is no secret I am not fond of Tennant's Doctor (mostly due to the atrocious writing of RTD), and in my opinion, I would rather not see another Doctor similar to him. However that being said, I respect another person's right to like him as their favourite (hell mine are Patrick Troughton, Tom Baker, and Sylvester McCoy...and to a small extent Colin Baker was very, VERY underrated), but I do get kind of tired of those who bash actors and Doctors who aren't Tennant. I know that isn't all Tennant fans, but it's enough it gives me a bit of a headache. I am a firm believer no Doctor is "the best" or "the worst", it's all a matter of opinion, and personal preference. No matter Who (see what I did there? ;) hehe) is your favourite, that doesn't matter because the beauty of the show is there is a Doctor for practically everyone.
Thank you for letting me ramble, I think I will get myself a bag of Jelly Babies from the fridge now. :D
I in no way said it was the beginning. It's simply referred to as "1" and most new fans won't have a clue about the old series seeing a 15 year gap, not including the 90's TV movie.
Chronologically it's 27. But for modern purposes and for simplicity, it's 1. And it will be referred to as 1 by BBC, by most modern fans who aren't familiar with the old, and even the DVD's/Blu Rays you watch, or Netflix.
Some old doctors went fast, others went slower (Tom Baker as one example: 7 years :O), but the newer ones have been running out a fast pace, seeing each one has barely 3 years under their belt, despite on screen filming time compared to older formats. And 12 is supposed to be the magical number and final regeneration, But I can only imagine that will change as there are ways around that.
