TV Review | ‘Doctor Who’ special honors show’s history

Simulcast in 94 different countries and in more than 1,500 theaters to millions of viewers around the world, the BBC’s “Doctor Who” 50th Anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” was an absolutely spectacular treat for the show’s dedicated fans. This record-breaking special has certainly earned its place as one of the greatest science fiction episodes of all time.

For viewers, cast and crew alike, there was much anticipation and preparation for the special. While many fans — often known as Whovians — were thrilled about the return of the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and his former companion (Billie Piper), the writers were confronted with a difficult task. Not only were they expected to pay homage to a long line of Doctors, but they also faced the challenge of making the episode stand out on its own merit. Luckily, they have succeeded: Showrunner Steven Moffat has outdone himself, achieving a perfect balance between the two.

While some of the episodes in season seven were criticized for being repetitive and anti-climactic, Moffat has redeemed himself with the anniversary special. He brings viewers an episode full of excitement, humor and, not surprisingly, fezzes — the Eleventh Doctor’s signature hat.

Two storylines run throughout the episode and later intersect. The minor arc involves the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and his companion Clara (Jenna Coleman) investigating the disappearance of figures from paintings hidden in the National Gallery. Meanwhile, the Time War — the conflict between the Doctors’ own race of the Time Lords and their enemies the Daleks — rages on. In this storyline, the War Doctor (John Hurt) is about to eliminate his home planet, Gallifrey, and the Time Lords, by detonating a weapon of mass destruction in order to end the war.

In a rather unusual plot twist, the weapon develops a conscience and allows him to step into the future to see what would result if he sacrifices Gallifrey. Unlike typical sentient machines in science fiction, this weapon — called the Moment — is interested in saving a planet, not destroying it.

Because of the Moment’s actions, the Eleventh and the War Doctors jump through time fissures. They end up in the Tenth Doctor’s timeline, where hilarity ensues.

The interaction among the three Doctors is unlike any in past multi-Doctor specials. Hurt, Tennant and Smith have undeniable chemistry as they bicker amongst one another. While Doctors Ten and Eleven pass petty judgments back and forth, the War Doctor seems in a constant state of skepticism toward his future selves. Still, it is touching to see them work together and recognize the mutual respect they eventually develop.

Hurt’s Doctor is arguably the most complex regeneration in the show’s history. As the Eleventh Doctor rightly says, “[He was] the Doctor on the day it wasn’t possible to get it right.” Hurt’s interpretation of this tragic role is spot on. He is torn apart by the choice he has to make, even denying himself the title of a Doctor. The anguish he feels as he mulls over his decision is palpable and affecting.

One of the most powerful scenes in the episode occurs when the War Doctor mentions the Time War to the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, creating tension between Ten — “the man who regrets” — and Eleven — “the man who forgets” — that gives the term “inner conflict” a whole new meaning. It shows both the audience and the War Doctor the lasting impact of the destruction of Gallifrey.

The extermination of the Time Lords was a pivotal point in “Doctor Who” history. It turned the Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) into a bitter, battle worn character. It filled the Tenth with regret. It drove the Eleventh to forget an entire portion of his life. These emotions fueled the Doctor during those lives and motivated him even further to help anyone in need.

Unfortunately, the episode’s conclusion seems too happy to be realistic and thereby reduces the dimensionality of the Doctor as a character. Nevertheless, Moffat deserves commendation for honoring the classic “Doctor Who” series and breaking new ground.

Although the Doctors featured in the special are from the reboot and a new, forgotten Doctor is introduced, the episode also pays tribute to the old Doctors. Perhaps the most exciting was the cameo by fan favorite Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor from 1974 until 1981. The final scene of the special, with all 12 Doctors standing side by side, brings on a whirlwind of emotions. Seeing everyone involved in its multi-decade run together in one scene only further demonstrates the lasting legacy of the series.