The 2005 revival of Doctor Who kicked off on March 26 with “Rose,” signaling the end of its 16-year absence from regular television since being axed in 1989. This marked the first new televised Doctor Who story since the 1996 movie starring Paul McGann. Russell T Davies, a devoted fan of the series, successfully campaigned for its return, finally bringing it back to screens. The inaugural series, overseen by Davies, Julie Gardner, and Mal Young, consisted of 13 episodes, with Davies writing eight of them and Phil Collinson producing.
The show follows the adventures of the Doctor, a peculiar Time Lord who travels through time and space in his TARDIS, which resembles a 1950s British police box. Accompanied by companions, he tackles various challenges, saving civilizations and righting wrongs along the way. Christopher Eccleston stars as the ninth Doctor, joined by Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, his primary companion. The series also introduces Adam Mitchell, a genius but troubled companion, and Captain Jack Harkness, a charming con man from the 51st century. The episodes hint at a recurring theme with the phrase “Bad Wolf,” leading to a climactic revelation in the series finale. Additionally, the revival establishes the Doctor as the last survivor of the Time War, a cataclysmic event wiping out his fellow Time Lords and the Daleks.
The premiere garnered significant viewership, leading to a swift renewal for a Christmas special and a second series. Critics and fans alike praised the revival, earning Doctor Who its first BAFTA Award. The show’s resurgence, even winning over detractors like Michael Grade, who had previously halted it, marked a turning point in family-oriented Saturday night entertainment.
CHARACTER
- Adam Mitchell and Henry van Statten were conceptualized by Davies during his pitch to the BBC for a story named “Return of the Daleks,” heavily influenced by Robert Shearman’s audio play Jubilee.
- The production team always planned for Adam to join the TARDIS crew after Rose developed a fondness for him.
- Bruno Langley, known for his role as Todd Grimshaw on Coronation Street, was chosen to portray Adam.
- Adam was never intended to be a long-term companion; Davies aimed to portray that not everyone is suitable for the TARDIS crew, labeling him “The Companion That Couldn’t.”
- John Barrowman debuted as Captain Jack Harkness in “The Empty Child,” joining the TARDIS crew for the final five episodes of the series.
- Davies drew inspiration from the Marvel Comics character Agatha Harkness in naming Captain Jack.
- Jack’s character arc was designed to transform him from a coward to a hero, a concept Barrowman incorporated into his portrayal.
- Initially, Jack’s morality was left ambiguous, with promotional materials questioning whether he was a force for good or ill.
- Barrowman played a significant role in the conception of Captain Jack, with Davies and Gardner crafting the character around him.
- David Tennant was offered the role of the Doctor while watching a pre-transmission copy of Casanova with Davies and Gardner.
- Tennant initially thought the offer was a joke but accepted it after realizing it was serious, making his first appearance in the series finale.
- Tennant was announced as Eccleston’s replacement on April 16, 2005.
- Other recurring characters in the series included Camille Coduri as Rose’s mother Jackie Tyler and Noel Clarke as Rose’s boyfriend Mickey Smith.
- Various actors and television personalities made appearances throughout the series, including Mark Benton, Zoë Wanamaker, Simon Callow, Eve Myles, Penelope Wilton, Annette Badland, and others.
STORYLINE
In the debut series of Doctor Who in 2024, a fresh portrayal of the Doctor takes center stage, launching into exhilarating escapades across the vast expanse of time and space. Accompanied by a steadfast group of companions, the Doctor confronts a myriad of obstacles and foes, delving into enigmatic puzzles that stretch across entire galaxies. The series commences with a riveting premiere wherein the Doctor and their companions become ensnared in a temporal anomaly of unprecedented magnitude, posing a dire threat to the very essence of reality itself.
As the narrative unfolds, the Doctor encounters familiar adversaries such as the iconic Daleks and Cybermen, alongside newly emergent perils that test their intellect and courage to the limit. Each episode serves as a showcase for the Doctor’s resourcefulness and empathy as they tirelessly endeavor to safeguard innocent lives and uphold the principles of justice across the cosmos. Amidst the whirlwind of action-packed exploits, the Doctor’s companions undergo profound personal growth, forging profound connections with the mysterious Time Lord at the heart of their adventures.
Together, the Doctor and their companions embark on a journey of exploration through the wonders of the universe, forging bonds of friendship that transcend time itself. As the series reaches its climax, a gripping showdown unfolds, challenging the Doctor in unprecedented ways. With the fate of existence hanging in the balance, the Doctor is forced to grapple with weighty decisions that will reverberate throughout their journey and profoundly impact the lives of those they cherish. Bursting with pulse-pounding excitement, tantalizing twists, and unforgettable moments, the inaugural series of Doctor Who in 2024 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of this cherished science fiction franchise.
