On November 23, 2013, BBC released “The Day of the Doctor” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Doctor Who.” The episode broadcasted globally and simultaneously across the BBC’s many channels and in select theatres.
“The Day of the Doctor” follows events from modern-day London, Elizabethan England, and the conclusion of the Time War. The episode also brought back previous characters from the show, such as Rose Tyler.
“I’m really excited!” junior Cara Schiavone said prior to watching the new episode, “I think the episode will be interesting to watch and see if they can pull multiple doctors [into] one episode.”
“I can’t wait to see the 10th and 11th Doctors talk and see how they handle being in the same dimension because of the paradoxes,” senior Tessa Brennan said in anticipation of the anniversary episode. “Being able to see 10, 11, Rose, and Clara all together will be amazing, but I can tell it’s going to be sad when they all have to part ways.”
Along with Rose, the eleventh doctor was joined by the Time War Doctor, the tenth Doctor, and current companion, Clara Oswin. Steven Moffat, Doctor Who’s main writer, orchestrated this collection of characters brilliantly by interacting multiple Doctors, each with his own unique personality, keeping them different yet the same.
Moffat also threw in tributes to classic Who, notably a cameo of fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, speaking in the quirky, eccentric character of his Doctor. Allusions are made to the beginning of Doctor Who as well, such as the use of the original Doctor Who opening and having Clara teach at the school where the first companions taught. The date of the first episode is also referenced multiple times throughout the episode.
“The Day of the Doctor” also happens to be Matt Smith’s last full episode as the Doctor. He will regenerate in the upcoming Christmas Special and will be replaced by Peter Capaldi as the twelfth Doctor.
“I’m sad Matt Smith is leaving because he definitely added to the Doctor’s character,” senior Rachael Brink said, “but I’m thrilled to meet a new Doctor with new quirks. And maybe he’ll be ginger this time.”
Despite the impending sadness on the horizon, “The Day of the Doctor” lived up to expectations and started celebration of the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who for Whovians everywhere.
