New Doctor Who Series Discussion *Spoilers*

[DuneMuadDib]

Just to be picky.... he has 13 Regenerations, which means there will be 14 actors playing The Doctor. Even IF Moffet pulls out some "new Math" and gives us an "in-between" doctor (and Matt Smith turns out to be #12), then there are still two more actors who get to play the part.

12 regenerations, 13 incarnations.

"The Deadly Assassin" which is the first mention of a limit- "After the 12th regeneration, there is no plan that will postpone death."

In "The Keeper of Traken" the Master claims, "I am now nearing the end of my twelfth regeneration." The Doctor responds, "Then that is the end for a Time Lord."

In "Mawdryn Undead" the Fifth Doctor said: "If I did, it would be the end of me as a Time Lord ... I can only regenerate 12 times."

During "The Ultimate Foe" from the Trial of a Time Lord arc the Master describes the Valeyard as "an amalgamation of the darker sides of [the Doctor's] nature, somewhere between [his] 12th and final incarnation."

In the movie the Doctor says "a Time Lord has 13 lives, and the Master had used all of his," and "Grace! Don't you see? I have 13 lives."

12 regenerations, 13 incarnations.

Obviously they'll fudge it somehow if the show is still going when the Doctor "runs out" of regenerations, I don't think anyone is arguing that. Time War affected the limit, River's regeneration energy, or something else wibbly wobbly. Since 1976 the limit has been 12, which has been a major plot point for the Master more than once. Davies doesn't know what he's talking about when he tries to claim otherwise and he's not the final authority on Who anymore. If Moffat's still in charge when Thirteen quits then it's his ass the explanation will be pulled out of.

 

[laserpistol76]

I read in a DW book that Time Lords can only have 12 regenerations, but there are artificial methods to expand their lives.

 

[Shadow345]

Maybe they will literally cancel the show, return to Trenzalore and end The Doctor's life there.

 

[DuneMuadDib]

I didn't count any Tardisodes/Minisodes/Webisodes toward the new Doctors. The number for 11 contains a projected 60 minutes for the Xmas Ep, and 90 minutes for the 50th. All counts rounded to the nearest 1/4 Hr.

Is that counting multi-Doctor episodes just for the current Doctor or giving each Doctor credit?

Interesting way to see the breakdown. How did Eleven get ahead of Ten in airtime if they have the same number of seasons, but Eleven has fewer specials?

 

[TheDoctor]

12 regenerations, 13 incarnations.

*counts on fingers*. Hmmm.... And carry the one...

You're right, of course. I was counting the Valeyard as an extra regeneration, and not one of his regenerations. If John Hurt turns out to be the Valeyard, it would be interesting to see how it "counts".

 

[Angelus Lupus]

But as everyone has said before, The Master managed to gain extra regenerations, so it CAN be done. I don't think it would be too much of a fudge to use River's regen-energy (regenergy?) as the way around it.

 

[TheNickFox]

The Timelords of old could also be very big on their pomp and circumstance. (And awesome costumes) So perhaps it was more of a "no man should live forever" ideal that they held themselves to as a way of admitting that even they, those who did not fear the passage of time, allowed time to eventually take its toll.

If it is merely a limit of tradition, it could be a very powerful and emotional lead up, as he perhaps decides to let himself die.

...BUT THEN! His companion is in danger and the Doctor's body, through a psychic link with his companion, still flush with unused regeneration energy, regenerates after death in order to save the companion du jour.

I was a huge proponent of the "River gave her regenerations to him" idea when I first saw that episode, but I'm starting to think I'd prefer the issue be addressed head on since it really could have incredible potential to create a hugely moving moment...and season.

-Nick

 

[Organic Mechanic]

Is that counting multi-Doctor episodes just for the current Doctor or giving each Doctor credit?

Interesting way to see the breakdown. How did Eleven get ahead of Ten in airtime if they have the same number of seasons, but Eleven has fewer specials?

No, it didn't count multi-Doctor appearances. But that was hardly the only mistake with my numbers (example 10 & 11). Musta been tired yesterday. This is a FAR more accurate list, with explanatory notes.

1. 59.00 Hrs. (Including "The Three Doctors & The Five Doctors")
2. 54.50 Hrs. (Including "The Three Doctors, The Five Doctors & The Two Doctors")
3. 54.75 Hrs (Including "The Five Doctors")
4. 71.50 Hrs. (Not Including "Shada/The Five Doctors" footage)
5. 31.50 Hrs. (Not Including "Time Crash")
6. 17.25 Hrs.
7. 17.50 Hrs. (19 w/ TVM)
8. 01.50 Hrs.
9. 09.75 Hrs.
10. 40.00 Hrs. (Not Including Webisodes/Minisodes/Tardisodes, or Animated Episodes| Including Estimated 1.5 Hrs. For 50th)
11. 38.00 Hrs. (Not Including Webisodes/Minisodes/Tardisodes| Including Estimated 2.5 Hrs. For Xmas & 50th)

 

[DuneMuadDib]

Very cool. Anyone else find it satisfying that One has the most air-time after Four (who frankly cheated by going past the customary three seasons)?

 

[letmebestormy]

I have never "added rep"...until this post.

Nice work man. Great research!

No, it didn't count multi-Doctor appearances. But that was hardly the only mistake with my numbers (example 10 & 11). Musta been tired yesterday. This is a FAR more accurate list, with explanatory notes.

1. 59.00 Hrs. (Including "The Three Doctors & The Five Doctors")
2. 54.50 Hrs. (Including "The Three Doctors, The Five Doctors & The Two Doctors")
3. 54.75 Hrs (Including "The Five Doctors")
4. 71.50 Hrs. (Not Including "Shada/The Five Doctors" footage)
5. 31.50 Hrs. (Not Including "Time Crash")
6. 17.25 Hrs.
7. 17.50 Hrs. (19 w/ TVM)
8. 01.50 Hrs.
9. 09.75 Hrs.
10. 40.00 Hrs. (Not Including Webisodes/Minisodes/Tardisodes, or Animated Episodes| Including Estimated 1.5 Hrs. For 50th)
11. 38.00 Hrs. (Not Including Webisodes/Minisodes/Tardisodes| Including Estimated 2.5 Hrs. For Xmas & 50th)

 

[Organic Mechanic]

I have never "added rep"...until this post.

Nice work man. Great research!

Wow! Now that is an honor! Thank you!

Now, maybe tomorrow I'll tally up all of the Tardisodes etc & comic relief specials and we can find out exactly how much Who there is. XD

 

[DuneMuadDib]

Glad I'm not doing it. If I were I'd be inclined to determine exactly how much screen time each Doctor had, including archival footage or the bits from "Name" where it was a double. Thankfully I don't have access to every Who ever so can beg off that bout of OCDness

 

[rodneyfaile]

The Doctor seems younger after each regeneration. How old will the next actor be? Would they think of having a female Doctor?

 

[dano]

But as everyone has said before, The Master managed to gain extra regenerations, so it CAN be done. I don't think it would be too much of a fudge to use River's regen-energy (regenergy?) as the way around it.

In The Five Doctors they tell The Master they can give him a whole new life cycle if he helps the Doctor, In The Sound of Drums The Master states how he was ressurected to fight in The Time War- this did get me wondering... there's the comment in Journey's End about when he first met Rose he was "born in war", so I wonder if the 8th Doctor was killed in the Time War and resurrected to fight? Therefore John Hurt would be Doctor 2:1, Smith being 2:4 giving us another 9 lives?

 

[Kerr Avon]

The thing is the Master's method of gaining new regenerations has usually involved murdering people. They Doctor wouldn't do that.

 

[Primrodo]

Not his newest ones....they were gifted by the Time Lords...so...

 

[JBReplicas]

Not saying I believe this, just throwing it out there as I saw it on AOL news

'Doctor Who': Rory Kinnear Receives 'Formal Offer' To Replace Matt Smith As The Doctor

 

[Risu]

I think that Moffat quote is complete bull. No way they haven't got a clue who's taking the role at this point.

As for a balding Doctor, no thanks.

 

[TimeyWhimyStuff]

I think that Moffat quote is complete bull. No way they haven't got a clue who's taking the role at this point.

As for a balding Doctor, no thanks.

I agree, that guy has no Doctor qualities to him from that pic.

EDIT: After realizing who he is he was brilliant in Black Mirror, but yeah, still no Doctor. I'm not gonna believe anything until an official announcement.

 

[Primrodo]

Same go round that's been saddled with Doctor Who since as long as I can remember. I don't care who gets the role, as long as its engaging, fun and more Doctor Who.