Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by John Hayes
Cass: "I'm trying to send a distress signal. Stop talking about Doctors."
Eighth Doctor: "I'm a Doctor but probably not the one you're expecting."
It was rumoured for ages that Paul McGann would appear in a prequel for The Day Of The Doctor in a bid to help explain John Hurt's presence and I have to admit, I refused to believe it. Given that Steven Moffat seemed so adamant about not involving any Classic Series Doctors, it just sounded too good to be true. How glad am I to be wrong in this case? Very much so.
This little seven minute scene was absolutely a joy to watch as the Eighth Doctor and pilot lady, Cass met each other with her ship crashing and she took an immediate dislike to the Doctor upon seeing his TARDIS. It seems that the Time Lords really are coming across as badly as the Daleks in the Time War - the same war that this Doctor has been avoiding like the plague until now.
Upon the ship crashing, Cass dying and the Eighth Doctor being on his last legs, it seems the Sisterhood Of Karn had their own ideas for the Time War. Realising that he can't avoid it no longer, the Doctor chooses to drastically change and stop the Time War - but not in his own name. No, he wants to be a warrior.
The regeneration from McGann to Hurt is a great sequence and certainly a lot different than regenerations past and present (and presumably future as we've got Smith to Capaldi next month to look forward to). It's a stunning sequence and more than a worthy lead up to The Day Of The Doctor as well.
- Today is actually Paul McGann's birthday so the release of this prequel is even more appropriate as well.
- Big Finish is officially canon with the likes of Charley, C'Rizz, Lucie, Tamsin and Molly all referenced in this episode.
- The Sisterhood Of Karn have also previously appeared in The Brains Of Morbius as did the elixir of life.
- John Hurt's Doctor is officially known as the War Doctor, so the numbering will not be damaged it seems by his presence.
Well, this was spectacular, wasn't it? For those of you who thought that Steven Moffat didn't care about the Classic Series during the 50th year, this little scene proved you all wrong. It's been seventeen years since Paul McGann has lasted played the Eighth Doctor in a televised scene and The Night Of The Doctor was another healthy reminder of his brilliance. Paul, you are wonderful.
Rating: 10 out of 10.
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