Episode 1.01

After the much hyped but somewhat disappointing US-backed Doctor Who telemovie, fans of the old show thought the Time Lord had forever been cast into the pit of syndication hell. While Paul McGann made a likeable Doctor, the emphasis on “Americanised” action and “cool” did not win over many old fans and the movie’s reliance on established concepts failed to bring in the new.

After several years absence however, with popularity undergoing a resurgence and with the current trend in entertainment of recycling the classics in new ways (think Battlestar Galactica), the BBC in cahoots with its counterpart in Canada set out to prove you can get an old dog to do new tricks. Thus the new series of Doctor Who was born.

The series opener is “Rose”, so-called after the person who is really the centre of this story. She is a young woman with a normal life. She works at a department store. She has a boyfriend. She lives with her mum. It just so happens that one day, while closing up the shop, the plastic store dummies in the basement storeroom come alive and try to kill her. After that, her day just isn’t the same.

Rescued by a mysterious stranger who calls himself only “the Doctor”, she tries to get back into some kind of normal life, given what she’s seen. However not only can’t she get this Doctor out of her head, he keeps popping up – and danger is never far behind.

Old hands just know she is a sidekick in the making, however the BBC wisely decided to focus this opening episode on an “average girl” so they could attract new viewers. This girl knows nothing of time travel and blue boxes and sonic screwdrivers. So like the rookie soldier in every war film that needs everything explained, the show can tell viewers things that old hands may know already and not look like they’re “talking down” to the audience. After all, it has to be explained to Rose. This is an excellent device that works very well. Being a fan of the old series, I never feel put out by any explanations.

Finally we get a good look at our new hero. Christopher Eccleston wears the Doctor like an old jacket – warm, comfortable and just a little frayed at the edges. His Doctor knows he is important to the Universe – but isn’t afraid to have a little fun as well. Eccentric in the vein of Tom Baker but with just enough dark edge to keep everyone itching for more, it is an excellent portrayal by an underappreciated actor.

Billie Piper as Rose plays it straight like a good sidekick should, but with freshness and a modern sense of irony. There always appears to be that glimmer of amusement in her eye. “Yes,” she seems to say in her true Brit accent, “it’s all crazy and dangerous but this is the most exciting thing to happen to me ever!”

The writing is top notch. There’s time for action, time for suspense, and even time for gags, executed in a true British deadpan style. There’s no reaching for a love story like the telemovie, though there is a definite sexual tension between Rose and the Doctor. The icing on the cake is that the effects are top-notch and well funded, yet still have that definite Doctor Who feel.

And that is the heart of the matter. This new series of Doctor Who feels like an old friend, one you left behind some years ago and suddenly found again. The relationship resumes like nothing has happened and you feel happy and comfortable like you should. Lovers of the old series and those curious to find out what the fuss was all about should get together and watch.