An era of Doctor Who has ended, with the 12th doctor regenerating and show-runner Stephen Moffat departing. Before Chris Chibnall takes over, starting fresh, I thought I'd take a look back on Peter Capaldi and the 12th doctor.
The 12th doctor felt very different than his predecessors among new Who. For one, it felt like he had an actual character arc. I'm not talking about a specific arc related to a story or plot, but in terms of the doctor's character evolution.
From his main debut in "Deep Breath", the doctor started thinking about his overall purpose. What were his main missions and goals? And why was he the way he was?
This drastic turn for the Doctor impacted his companion at the time, Clara. She was feeling unsure if this was truly the same person she had known up until this point. It left her wondering if she wanted to continue on this journey.
The Doctor was facing a similar dilemma though along with Clara and his connection to humanity in general. This was evident throughout the 8th season, with the doctor having difficulty with the ability to read a room and process how others would react to his actions.
The Doctor, throughout his travels, would eventually find his way towards a solution, but often without thorough communication with those surrounding him. While this is common among earlier iterations of the Doctor, it became more apparent with the 12th given his stated character evolution.
A key component to 12th's character arc was his companion, Clara. She was able to act like a teacher in a way, a guide for the Doctor. She provided both a sense of stability, while also challenging 12. The bond between the two would help the Doctor find his way around humanity, and also discovering who he truly was about.
This bond would become too close however. Throughout their time together, they became much alike (evidenced in the 9th season). In "face the raven", initially dealing with the thought of losing Clara, we see the doctor regressing, not knowing how to respond.
This chapter of the 12th Doctor helped lead him in dealing with loss, that of both Clara and River Song.
And in terms of Clara and her arc, the doctor ultimately makes the ultimate sacrifice of losing her in his memories.
It's his time with Clara that allows 12 to become a teacher in his own way towards new companion Bill. The Doctor is properly able to show her around the universe.
Beyond just the doctor's connection to humanity though, there is one main point that fuels his character arc.....the question of what makes up a good man?
The doctor finds himself asking and debating with himself this question, and it drives him in the end to define the very qualities of a good man.
All in all, the 12th Doctor was one that gave the viewing public words to live by and how to act, through arc on what makes a good person, and especially his rousing speech on the perils of war in the "Zygon Inversion".
Everyone has their own preference, but I'll always consider Peter Capaldi as my doctor. It has been exhilarating watching Doctor Who give this sort of character evolution to the Doctor that I don't think was as prevalent with 10 or 11. It brought you closer to the show, and opened up your eyes through its connection to the world.
I'm excited to see what show runner Chris Chibnall will do with the 13th Doctor; Jodie Whittaker in the new season.
But for now, farewell 12th Doctor, we'll never forget you or what you taught us.
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