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"Doctor Who" Cast Changes

Michael (over at SyFyPortal) is reporting a BBC story that both the Doctor and his companion will be replaced when the series reaches season 5.

According to the article, Catherine Tate, who will be the Doctor's season four companion after a one-shot appearance that kicked off season three, "...recently told Radio 2 that this is likely the final season for David Tennant as The Doctor, who took over in the second season from Christopher Eccleston, and that she may not go any longer than her predecessor, Freema Agyeman."

Holy slip of the tongue! This is not coming from "The Sun" this time - it's from a series regular!

So, let me calm down and read more deeply into the comments. Catherine Tate verified that she will be a one-year member of the cast. Even though I wasn't thrilled with the casting, I am concerned that they are switching companions every year, from Rose Tyler to Martha Jones to Donna Noble to some unnamed companion in 2010. Although the constant switching is annoying, I can hope that this opens the door for the return of Rose!

The news for Tennant is a lot cloudier. I previously noted that Tennant has committed to play Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2008. It is also unclear if Tennant is signed for the three (at current count) "Doctor Who" specials scheduled for 2009.

However, I still think that we can be optimistic about Tennant's return. Who wouldn't love a job that takes a year break that coincidentally corresponds to the lead actor's commitment to another program? Hmmm...I think the break is designed around keeping Tennant as the Doctor. At least, I hope so. He has really grown on me!

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Posted by Fred on December 17, 2007 9:22 PM
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It is also unclear if Tennant is signed for the three (at current count) "Doctor Who" specials scheduled for 2009.

No it's not. Tennant is signed for the specials - it was announced all the way back in September on the official Doctor Who site. Tennant's also confirmed in in several interviews lately that he'll be back to Who in 2009.

BBC link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/news/cult/news/drwho/2007/09/03/48471.shtml

-- Posted by: Melissa at December 18, 2007 3:16 PM

Why is the switching of companions annoying? It is perfectly normal on DW. There have been 10 doctors but over 40 companions. They come and go. The doctor remains, regardless of his face. Stop worrying.

-- Posted by: RP at December 19, 2007 12:20 PM

Thanks for the info, Melissa!

As for the switching of companions, here's the annoying part - by the end of the season, I actually kinda liked Martha. It took a while, but she really grew on me. Now, I didn't like Donna Noble in the Christmas episode, but I am sure she will grow on me by the end of the season. Now, with another switch, I am very likely not to like the companion for a while (unless Rose comes back).

I'd just like to start the season with a familar face, just like season 2!

-- Posted by: Fred at December 20, 2007 3:12 PM

I think the renewed interest in Doctor Who, especially after the last season (Series 3)is in no small part due to the phenomenal chemistry between Freema Agyeman [Martha Jones] and David Tennant [10th Doctor]. The smoldering interaction between this very attractive couple ignited a thousand YouTube videos [See for yourself, type Martha Jones in Youtube and see what you get]. Moreover, Martha Jones proved to be the Doctor's match in "saving the day". Not only did she restore the Doctor to his Gallifreyan self in the "Human Nature/Family of Blood", she tackled many "ism's (racism, sexism, etc....)" with great authenticity and sensitivity in those landmark episodes. High drama indeed! Moreover, she successfully led the planet Earth in a titanic struggle to liberate humanity from the tyranny of the Master (Utopia/Sound of the Drums/Last of the Timelords). The Doctor and Martha reached a level of compatibility and competence I've rarely seen in other Companion/Doctor pairings. I only hope that the fact that Freema will be playing Martha Jones again in several new episodes in Season 4, bodes well for a continuing role for this dynamic duo (Martha Jones/10th Doctor).

-- Posted by: Steve at December 28, 2007 7:14 PM

Can you guys do me a favor and tell me who the girl in this picture is? Thanks.

The link is http://www.imdb.com/gallery/ss/0436992/Ss/0436992/NUP_102225_0119.jpg.html?hint=group

-- Posted by: Nole at January 18, 2008 12:51 AM

Unless I am mistaken, I think this is Sophia Myles, who is currently starring in CBS's "Moonlight".

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0617009/

-- Posted by: fred at January 18, 2008 10:21 AM

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