Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery
- Publication: Chicago Tribune
- Date: 2015-09-18
- Author: Haley BeMiller
- Page: 13
- Language: English
Viewers will find "a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure," says actor Peter Capaldi, who plays Doctor Who.
Daleks, Zygons, a madman with a box — fasten your seatbelts, Whovians, because that's only a sliver of what you can expect with Season 9 of "Doctor Who," which premieres Saturday on BBC America.
The Doctor and Clara are back for what lead writer Steven Moffat calls the duo's "glory years." Season 9 marks Peter Capaldi's second as the Doctor, a role he has mastered with sharp wit and a chilly but caring demeanor (and incredible eyebrows). And now that the Doctor has reconciled his debate over whether he's a good man, the possibilities for his character seem endless.
"I think (viewers) will find a lot of thrills, lot of mystery, a reckless Doctor in pursuit of adventure," Capaldi said.
The Doctor and Clara's relationship is also back to normal after enduring post-regeneration mistrust and occasional clashes throughout Season 8.
"They've had some conflicts and challenges, but generally if you can weather the storms, you often find that your relationship is much stronger," Capaldi said.
However, viewers are sure to see some noticeable differences in Clara's behavior following the death of her boyfriend, Danny Pink, last season. Jenna Coleman, who plays the role of Clara, noted that her character is starting to cut ties with Earth and lose herself in her adventures with the Doctor.
"Since losing Danny, her perspective has changed on life, and in a way she's lost fear of her own mortality," Coleman said. "When that happens there's a sense of freedom — going into adventures, there's nothing holding her back. But as much fun as it is, it can be dangerous?'
Outside of our main characters, Season 9 will be packed with guest stars — new faces and old. One of the most-talked about appearances is Maisie Williams, best known for her role as Arya Stark in "Game of Thrones." She's scheduled to appear in Episode 5, "The Girl Who Died," though Moffat and company have been hush-hush about what her role will be. We'll also see the return of Jemma Redgrave's Kate Stewart and Ingrid Oliver as Osgood (sure, she died last season, but this is "Doctor Who" we're talking about).
By far the most exciting addition is Missy, played by Michelle Gomez. She revealed herself as a regeneration of the Master last season and captivated viewers with her maniacal charm and twisted sense of humor. While the Doctor kills Missy in the Season 8 finale, the character's return has been public knowledge for quite some time. We don't know how she comes back or what she'll be up to, but we can certainly expect more of her out-there behavior.
"She doesn't bake much," Gomez said. "Well, not in the conventional sense."
And with Missy comes her complicated relationship with the Doctor, which will likely become even more intricate this season.
"They are still opposite magnets, mostly repelling, but at times they also attract?" Gomez said. "There is an undeniable shorthand that comes with a lifelong friendship. A friendship that at some point went very wrong?'
Season 9 will run for 12 episodes, several of which are two-parters. "Forty-five minutes has served us incredibly well, but it's time to change it up a bit, change the rhythm?' Moffat said. "It's not just about being longer — sometimes it's about going deeper."
Deeper and full of adventure — that's the path "Doctor Who" intends to follow. Time will tell if the Time Lord can hold up to such promises. "It's a big, mad and exciting series," Moffat said.
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- APA 6th ed.: BeMiller, Haley (2015-09-18). Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery. Chicago Tribune p. 13.
- MLA 7th ed.: BeMiller, Haley. "Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery." Chicago Tribune [add city] 2015-09-18, 13. Print.
- Chicago 15th ed.: BeMiller, Haley. "Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery." Chicago Tribune, edition, sec., 2015-09-18
- Turabian: BeMiller, Haley. "Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery." Chicago Tribune, 2015-09-18, section, 13 edition.
- Wikipedia (this article): <ref>{{cite news| title=Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Doctor_Who_returns_with_plenty_of_thrills,_mystery | work=Chicago Tribune | pages=13 | date=2015-09-18 | via=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=1 September 2024 }}</ref>
- Wikipedia (this page): <ref>{{cite web | title=Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery | url=http://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/Doctor_Who_returns_with_plenty_of_thrills,_mystery | work=Doctor Who Cuttings Archive | accessdate=1 September 2024}}</ref>
- Title: Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery
- Publication: The Morning Call
- Date: 2015-09-19
- Title: Doctor Who returns with plenty of thrills, mystery
- Publication: The Palm Beach Post
- Date: 2015-09-20