The Twelfth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, brought a different energy to the Doctor Who series following Matt Smith’s tenure. Capaldi’s unique character portrayal enriched the show’s world with a darker and more introspective tone.
A different energy
After the quirky and youthful energy that Matt Smith brought to his role as the Eleventh Doctor, Peter Capaldi came in with a change of pace. His Twelfth Doctor was characterised by a brooding intensity and sense of maturity, which instantly distinguished him from the previous iteration. Capaldi’s Doctor was more complex, showing a mix of vulnerability and wisdom that gave the character a new level of depth.
This sombre demeanour allowed storylines to explore deeper themes, such as the Doctor’s struggle with his own morality and the consequences of his actions. While still retaining the humour and lightness found in previous Doctors, Capaldi’s portrayal showcased the vulnerability of the Time Lord and made him more relatable as a character.
Best episodes
1. “Heaven Sent” (Series 9, Episode 11) – The Doctor faces a mysterious enemy that hunts him down in a castle-like prison in this highly acclaimed episode. As he repeatedly dies and comes back to life, he starts to unravel the mystery behind his tormentor. Capaldi’s solo performance is widely regarded as one of the best in Doctor Who’s history.
2. “The Zygon Inversion” (Series 9, Episode 8) – This episode sees the Doctor mediating peace talks between humans and Zygons, an alien race that can take on human forms. It features one of Capaldi’s most memorable monologues, in which he passionately argues for peace and understanding between the two races.
3. “World Enough and Time”/”The Doctor Falls” (Series 10, Episodes 11 & 12) – A two-part story that sees the Doctor and his companions, Bill and Nardole, facing Missy, the Master, and a new form of Cybermen. The episodes showcase Capaldi’s emotional range as the Doctor deals with heartbreaking events and ultimately confronts his own mortality.
Worst episodes:
1. “Sleep No More” (Series 9, Episode 9) – This found-footage style episode follows the Doctor and Clara as they investigate a haunted space station. The story is often criticised for its confusing plot and lacklustre monster.
2. “In the Forest of the Night” (Series 8, Episode 10) – Capaldi’s Doctor encounters a young girl named Maebh, who can hear mysterious voices.
3. “Kill the Moon” (Series 8, episode 7) – 3. “Kill the Moon” (Series 8, episode 7) – In this controversial episode, the Doctor, Clara, and a group of astronauts discover a mysterious creature living inside Earth’s moon. A moral dilemma takes centre stage when faced with the decision to kill or save the creature, ultimately altering the moon’s future and potentially affecting Earth.
Although the episode is my least favourite, it is an excellent example of Capaldi’s Doctor grappling with the consequences of his actions and the weight of such monumental decisions.
All in all, during Capaldi’e tenure as the Twelfth Doctor, he truly embraced the iconic role and delivered an exceptional portrayal that remains memorable to fans. Capaldi’s masterful acting skills showcased a complex character, balancing both his timeless intelligence and dramatic emotional range. With his unique style and command of the screen, Capaldi breathed new life into the series while still honouring its rich history. The Twelfth Doctor’s era is a testament to Peter Capaldi’s versatility and dedication as an actor, leaving an indelible mark on the storied legacy of Doctor Who.
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