Dr Who Review, Part 12 - The Matt Smith Era

[@ChippyGaming]

Absolutely fantastic as always, can’t wait for Capaldi’s episode in 2023

[@NeoBing]

@ChippyGaming You never know, it might come out in 2024!

[@TheHolyPotato57]

wtf chippy out of nowhere

[@frankt5213]

I’ve been counting the days for this video to drop. Time to go into hibernation for a year til we get Capaldi

[@mr.randomguys7629]

Oh wow! Really cool to know you're a Doctor Who fan. Who's your favorite doctor?

[@MrAlexeiGil]

more like 2056

[@Caiyde]

"I never forget a face." "I know you don't. And in years to come, you might find yourself revisiting a few. But just the old favourites, eh?" ...That aged beautifully :')

[@im_piano]

Yes, but it was also an awfully obvious wiggle room for writers to shoehorn some old actors. I don't say it's a bad thing, but it was obvious that the phrase was meant as a writing tool.

[@gerrardjones28]

That's why I love this show! They actually just brought David back randomly they never planned it and fits in with what the curator said

[@callumocreary1253]

@@im_pianoyes obviously, saying that like that’s never happened before

[@GetBenched2010]

I got tears when I saw that the first time. The last golden age Doctor passing the torch to the most commercially successful Doctor of all.

[@c0nvict_pleb174]

Unintentionally too

[@RandomShinigami7]

“A sense of an old professor trapped in the body of a young student” That perfectly described what I loved about Matt’s Doctor. He perfectly conveyed the “Young old man” aspect of the role. I fully believe that he’s far older than he looks.

[@samuelbarber6177]

Personally, I always got more the idea of an adult five year old

[@Mr.Nyongo]

He actually felt like a 900 year old.

[@ThreadBomb]

Morb Smith

[@ThomasMurch]

Just in case this video doesn't mention it, I am compelled to mention one of my favourite Moffat lines ... and it's not even from the show, just an interview he gave about the decision to cast Matt Smith. "He looks like a young man assembled by old men from memory."

[@graefx]

I always remember Matt's Doctor being described like and Capaldi as the inverse. An old man who's young at heart.

[@Cabb4ge.]

I love the idea that before the 10th Doctor regenerates he remembers for a brief moment that his next regeneration will be the one that has to go to Trenzalore. He doesn't want to go.

[@Dirty_Nero_Main]

Redeems 10 of his vanity.

[@mr.protagonist5639]

​@@Dirty_Nero_MainI love 10's vanity so I don't believe it needs redeeming.

[@dp3of5]

Genuinely if Davies and Moffat had been able to somehow co-show run in the reboot era, it would have been so special. They seem to compliment one another so well

[@balogkrisztian8440]

That would've been awesome. Imagine the grand ideas and huge story arcs of Moffat being grounded by the small and intimate character dramas and emotional themes of Davies.

[@someguy3508]

The era they covered together was amazing. After season 5 the show changed a bit but it was still pretty good. At that point Moffat was also writing Sherlock which was top tier. I can't blame him if the quality dropped a bit in Doctor Who

[@tonoornottono]

@@someguy3508 sherlock was definitely a tv show

[@plustico2846]

Yes. Well I think actually having Davies show run and Moffat create stand alone episodes is better and what we already had. Moffat isn't a longform storyteller.

[@plustico2846]

@renideo I think the huge difference was the emotional through line. Like I said in a previous comment, Moffat isn't a long form storyteller. He was great at telling stories in single episodes. Single character arcs but he wasn't good at taking characters and realistically having them change throughout. For example. Amy and Rorys divorce in asylum of the daleks was so random and although it worked for the episode as a standalone, it didn't work at all as continuous growth in their characters. If you took that episode out, nothing would change in their dynamic before and after. Rose, Martha, and Donna's character arcs at the end of their stories felt really impactful but the companions afterwards failed to have that. And I think because the characters were so strong and their endings were so strong in series 1-4, the average plots worked because we cared about the characters so much. Doctor who will always have some weaker stand-alone sci fi stories but the strength of its quality is in the character of the doctor and the characters around the doctor.

[@ZioName]

And when people needed him the most... He returned, bringing light and hope. And a 2 hour essay on the Matt Smith era

[@Warriorcats64]

Quite refreshing after the Tennant deluge.... I'm more convinced than ever that Smith not Tennant should have been Whittaker's replacement if they were going to not give us the new guy.

[@alim.9801]

@@Warriorcats64 wait what do you mean??

[@drd444]

A 2 hour essay about better times.

[@markcoburn8269]

@@alim.9801 They are referencing how Tennant is going to be the 14th Doctor for 3 special episodes before regenerating into Ncuti as the 15th Doctor.

[@z-nyxkibishidesu5380]

Paul MaGann’s “…..But probably not the one you were expecting.” is one of my favorite lines in all of Doctor Who. It’s so good.

[@2mccue4u27]

I was a relatively recent Doctor who fan who had only just caught up with my friends in Matt Smith's tenure before 12 was announced. Seeing McGann was jaw-dropping, and that short video was honestly incredible.

[@Zerphses]

Reminds me of Rhodey’s first lines in Iron Man 2 being “Look, it’s me, I’m here. Deal with it. Let’s move on.” working both in-story and also as a message to the audience because Terrance Howard had been replaced by Don Cheadle.

[@lakecountynaturalist7617]

McGann was amazing. I wished he had done more episodes.

[@TheSuzberry]

I’ve not noticed anyone talk about Smith’s brilliant physical comedy. He was surprisingly funny in so many episodes. Especially “Let’s Kill Hitler”.

[@soloexperiencer]

Or how his VOICE is such a big part of his performance.

[@BH-98]

“Are you capable of speaking without flapping your hands everywhere?” “Yes. No.”

[@Kamenriderbuster2022]

@@BH-98 “ oh I’m the doctor I’m so cool oops I’m wearing sand shoes”

[@BH-98]

@@Kamenriderbuster2022 “they’re not sandshoes!”

[@Alondro77]

@@BH-98 "They certainly are..."

[@jasperpdf1212]

I am dying for the capaldi era video, he is my favorite doctor. His passion and love for the role is infectious and he makes up for Soemtimes mediocre storiee

[@LukasOfTheLight]

Capaldi had the best writing of any Doctor, really. Or at least up there.

[@SgtLion]

@@LukasOfTheLight Not even close.

[@LukasOfTheLight]

@@largechild9941 By a comfortable margin. The writing for Capaldi was considerably the most mature, deep, and consistent overall. If you know writing, you know what what happened there.

[@AlessandroAltosoleChannel]

I agree. He suffered the combined nostalgia of tennant fans and smith fans. There wasn't anything really wrong with the show, but he wasn't like them and so the whole era was thrown into the trash bin. Thankfully its a sentiment that seems to be switching in recent years, ironically probably because it now feels nostalgic to see capaldi as the doctor.

[@shnoozezzz9752]

​@@LukasOfTheLightI feel like you're ignoring a lot of both series 8 and 9, the forest epsiode, kill the moon, and the finale of series 8 are all just really hard to watch. the writing of capaldi is really great along with his acting but the actual stories around him arent very good. At least in my opinion, even the good man arc feels out of place after 11 spent hundreds of years protecting one town until his death.

[@SahiPie]

Man I almost forgot how gut wrenching Matt’s performance during the sealing of the pandorica was. It’s something I think got overlooked for his speech instead but it’s honestly such a incredible bit of acting and emotional performance. His desperation was so strong that I remember tearing up watching it.

[@littlebreadlive6232]

NOO THE VIDEO GOT TAKEN DOWN

[@VidelxSpopovich]

Oh yeah, I must of watched that and Demon’s Run close to thirty-ish times now. Matt really did have some great episodes with his original companions before the writing really fell into shambles. He deserved so much better. Matt Smith is a treasure. Happens to be the only Doctor I have a figurine of.

[@ssjDBZ909]

Thank you for all the hard work and essentially making a professional style doc for DW.

[@mullaoslo]

Damn didn't think this was actually happening.. Matt was my first doctor.. (though I was 26 at the time).. Can't wait

[@Masterpdudley]

A professional style doc for each incarnation

[@ssjDBZ909]

@Timewyrm revelations Honestly, I think this is essentially the official DW doc, none other could even compare. Idk about you but it reminds me of documentaries teachers would show in class. The wait for each one is so long but you can 100% see why, must be crazy doing this all by yourself. Can't wait for the next one

[@dadofamadhouse4194]

@Timewyrm revelations I agree, way better than a lot of what I see out there. It had to take a lot of leg work and research to make these. I'd like to see an in depth behind the scenes of how they made this and where they got all their info from because this brings info I don't hear from other channels. I love how they review these eras without coming across as conceited and judgemental, just facts, history and opinion. Well done!

[@thomasleongeorgerobertglad7560]

Agreed I love this series just as much as the main show itself, I'm looking forward to the next 2 episodes but then what? This channel must continue to grow surely maybe TARDIS interiors, the various monsters, companions

[@tomnorton4277]

My favourite thing about the final shot of Day of the Doctor is that William Hartnell stands alone, watching over the other Doctors with a proud smile. As the man who started it all and won over so many hearts and minds all those years ago, it's fitting that he's treated with such reverence during the biggest milestone in Doctor Who history.

[@MarilynMalkovich]

I'm not sure continually recasting and reanimating his corpse counts as reverence.

[@paris-1911]

@@MarilynMalkovich I feel that's a pretty cynical way of viewing that. Hartnell knew the significance that the show and his role had brought to the hearts of many, children and adults alike. Change, so that the show could continue in good hands, sounds like a philosophy he would've died taking to heart, especially as an actor whom must've been surrounded by recasting and change in his industry. It's reverent to him that he's made the foremost actor as the man who established a lot of the role's dues. You can choose to view it however you wish, but with all due respect to Hartnell and to you, that's a sad way of viewing that man's legacy.

[@nigel1754]

Shame the same respect wasn’t shown during 13’s era.

[@sheridan5175]

@@nigel1754 chibnall bad lol

[@rgw7345]

@@sheridan5175 Unironically yes.

[@Fredboatshusband]

The first modern doctor I ever watched. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s living room at 13 years old watching Vincent and The Doctor, seeing for the first time a real, powerful, sensitive portrayal of mental illness. Later on, after being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, I found myself rewatching that episode, and the doctor’s speech of how good doesn’t always soften the bad, and bad doesn’t always spoil the good, I found myself in a much better place emotionally, with the knowledge that I can still be an artist. I’ll always count that episode as one of the most moving productions I have ever seen. Incredible review. Thank you so much.

[@marionbaggins]

Vincent and The Doctor, was such an Emotional Episode and was an Emotional Rollercoaster for all the right reasons!!!!

[@haileyshannon7548]

Vincent is one of my favorites, too. The ending where they show him the exhibit and he learns that everyone likes him is just wonderful.

[@ZekromAndYugiAndDrago123]

Something I quite liked about Matt Smith's run was how emotional he was. Everything he felt almost seemed amplified times ten. A great example is the "Colonel Runaway" scene where he goes from overjoyed at his victory to the angriest you've ever seen 11 in an instant, that anyone would even think to hurt his friends.

[@VidelxSpopovich]

Matt really deserved better writing especially during the Clara era. While I like most of the Amy, Rory, and River run of the show, you could still see a lot of Moffat’s trademark writing flaws popping up. It was good enough at the time that they could be overlooked but soon everything had to be a Mystery Box and every episode had to jerk off The Doctor to the point that it was eye rolling.

[@megarat1777]

@@VidelxSpopovich literally!!!

[@waynewinky2754]

Each time I watch the scene with the curator, Matt somehow gives off the impression of being in such awe that he is acting alongside Tom Baker, our oldest living doctor.

[@Virdice]

Watch Time Crash if you haven't It's a short where Tennant meets Peter Davison, which was his Doctor, and you can see that it's just David fangirling rather than the doctor talking, I loved it

[@marionbaggins]

@@Virdice Tennant was Fanboying over his soon-to-be Father-In-Law...Just think about that Statement!!!

[@Martin-xd4jl]

Say what you like about Moffat, his convoluted plots, the latter end of Matt Smith's run or whatever, that Matt Smith regeneration is (for me) the most sublimely perfect moment the show has ever achieved. It really takes a lot for a piece of media to get a visible emotional reaction out of me, but somehow that scene managed to make me tear up even watching it here chopped up with narration! That's utterly ridiculous!

[@muddlewait8844]

I’ve been a fan since the 70’s, and the first year of Moffat is probably the happiest I’ve ever been watching Who. It was it trick it could only pull off once for me-everything being that wild and weird and epic in scope, and increasingly haphazard and arbitrary, got tiresome-but that first series was an incredible roller coaster ride.

[@MollymaukT]

The only thing I can say I thought was objectively bad about Moffat's run was how much he made the daleks less threatening and dangerous in most stories. But besides that it was a great run throughout

[@phelanii4444]

I cried for a whole hour after watching that special. I started watching DW in the summer of 2012, while it was airing reruns on a public broadcast network. I'd wake up at noon, go downstairs to my grandma, switch over the television and watch Doctor Who as I was having breakfast-lunch. I was caught up on the show just in time for the 2013 holiday season where I got to see the Day of the Doctor live as well as the las Christmas special of Matt Smith. While technically my first Doctor was 10 (I saw Turn Left out of context years before) and I started off properly watching with 9, 11 is my Doctor. The one whom I had to say goodbye to in real time. I never quite clicked with 12, not because of Capaldi. I thought he was brilliant, but the writing just did not sit with me and I gave up after his first season. I have not watched ever since, but I will always cherish this series for being one of my very first steps into nerd-dom proper.

[@ThreadBomb]

Moffat is probably the best writer of modern Who, and his run had some great moments, but maybe he needed a co-showrunner, just to maintain quality control.

[@matthewbeckford4520]

Agree! The speech is perfect, Matt's performance and then Amy appearing has me balling my eyes out everytime. Greatest piece of TV imo.

[@titocristobal5573]

Seriously, give us the Capaldi era already. I can't wait for it. I know you need to take your time to make it perfect, but wow... I'm gonna make sure I won't miss it.

[@PetersonZF]

I am very excited to hear Richard talk about Heaven Sent. :D

[@lukeluke333lukeluke]

As much as I loved Capaldi take on the Doctor. I also felt like its when the series starting going downhill...

[@BurnDoubt]

This. Very this.

[@antediluvianatheist5262]

@@lukeluke333lukeluke it was going downhill in the matt Smith era. Only the quality of the actors disguised that the writers were running out of ideas. It became obvious in the capaldi era, and unavoidable in the whittaker era.

[@lukeluke333lukeluke]

@@antediluvianatheist5262 Agree. Signs of it cracking started with Matt Smith. Its a shame. I loved Capaldi take on the Doctor but some of the stories that where giving to him where Meh. Doesn't help I wasn't the biggest fan of Clara character but I think its the writers and stories fault as well...

[@MarusASMR]

Christ I have tears in my eyes. I adored Matt Smiths era. It aired during arguably the best time of my life so far and I associate it with so many memories - watching Eleventh Hour in a pizza night, the Big Bang falling on my year 13 prom night, sneaking into a lecture theatre to ‘borrow’ the projector to watch it and being in London, at the Excel convention, for the 50th. This fantastic video has brought it all back. A phenomenal piece of work. Bravo

[@Jonazzz]

Such was the popularity of "The Matt Smith Era" that even fans in Argentina managed to have the special premiered in local cinemas. Quite a milestone because the series was not legally available in the region.

[@DemonBlanka]

I utterly ADORE the first season of Moffat's run, it was the first one I saw and it is pitch perfect as an introduction to the series. So fantastical and clever and the chemistry on screen is electric, Rory being a surprising standout who really grew into a wonderful character.

[@midgetwars1]

Had no idea Matt Smith practically designed the costume for the 11th, how awesome is that? Also speaking of actors breaking out, the 11th hour is completely stacked. Olivia Coleman, Karen Gillan, Matt Smith. What a roster.

[@Karnaax_]

Not to mention Annette Crosbie as Jeff's Gran, Tom Hopper as Jeff himself, and Nina Wadia as Dr. Ramsden!

[@alim.9801]

@@Karnaax_ ah, I love Jeff lol

[@TaterProduction]

11th hour is so freakin awesome, definitely in my top 5

[@Scripture-Man]

Both Matt Smith AND David Tennant suggested their own costumes.

[@michaeldeboer]

I love that Moffat hated the fez and would use every opportunity to mock or destroy it.

[@nessielou459]

So, did anyone else cry like 5 times during this or was that just me? What an amazing tribute to the era.

[@purefoldnz3070]

only because its a reminder on how good the show used to be.

[@HistoryForYouOfficial]

@@purefoldnz3070 Sad but true. That magical exciting feel of the show hasn't been present in years. Even though I LOVE Capaldi as the Doctor, the show's downfall started during his era. But chibnall put the final nail in the coffin.

[@HistoryForYouOfficial]

@@fvefve12 I know and I have full faith that RTD will bring the show back to its former glory. But the damage that chibnal has done is embarrassing and won't be forgotten.

[@jazzygeofferz]

I was grinning the whole way through because I was reminded of how special this era of Doctor Who was to me.

[@alecbormia4523]

@@HistoryForYouOfficial if doctor who becomes good again and doesn’t repeat chibnal’s mistakes, than that era will just be washed away in the sand I feel like and just forgotten and not really talked about. At least in the general consensus, obv nothing is ever forgotten online.

[@gilescosgrove3933]

From someone who was at the cinema, and chose to go to it over a party, I can say categorically the 3D effect of The Day of the Doctor was totally bang on. I won't ever forget that moment Clara rides into the Tardis on her motorcycle. It looks like a standard shot in 2D but in 3D it felt huge. Plus I was 13 and was so hyped I could have exploded.

[@pcb1175]

I don’t know, I still think the shot still looks cool in 2D

[@gilescosgrove3933]

@@pcb1175 Very cool shot even in 2D you are right, I stand corrected

[@GOFFMEISTER]

I did too , so going to give you the hundredth like!

[@TheAstip]

As a huge RTD era fan, this video really made me appreciate the Matt Smith era, and what it contributed to the show. Even though I was never a fan of Clara I now want to go back and watch her with Matt with fresh eyes.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

Clara with Capaldi is fantastic I think, and most would agree 100x better than her with Smith. Thing is, the story behind her introduction into the show was so convoluted that the 11th Doctor had most of the interesting intersctions with Victorian or Future Clara. And his meeting with Modern-Day Clara was in an atrocious story about parasitic internet. Their relationship was also a bit odd and they didn’t know what to do with it, even a romantic angle at the end which sucked. But Capaldi and Coleman have a fantastic chemistry (backed up by the amount of youtube edits of them), a wit and banter akin to Tennant and Tate. Ppl say they’re like an bickering old couple, in the best of ways, their personalities gelled a lot better with how ‘grumpy’ Capaldi is. (Unfortunately that meant Bill sucked as well since it was the last Capaldi season)

[@heron619]

I have never seen an episode of Doctor Who and I just watched this 2 hour long video without even pausing once. That’s how you know it was good!

[@cesarmadero05]

God damn: "The world would be a poorer without Doctor Who" almost made me shed a tear. the narration it's already full of wonderful love for filmmaking. Thank you.

[@mattstakeontheancients7594]

Got to say Moffat and Smith with the Ponds and River are my favorite series since the revival. He’s one of the reasons I gave house of dragons a shot was because Smith was in it and knowing his acting ability from Dr. Who watched it. The whole River and Doctor opposing flowing timelines is incredible and it finishing with Capaldi is one of my favorite scenes in entire revival.

[@antediluvianatheist5262]

Capaldi is cool. The writing is mostly garbage.

[@MollymaukT]

"Moffet wasn't sure he could write drama as well as comedy" Goes on to write the best episode of every season during the Russel T Davies tenure.

[@benedictward3435]

Midnight was the best episode of season 4 but point taken

[@SadBirbHours]

Good writer, terrible show runner. He shines best when working within the confines of someone else’s story.

[@fkez0510]

@@SadBirbHours that being said Series 5 was incredibly good, and Series 6 was very decent too. Series 7 is where the big problems surfaced

[@meurer13daniel]

@@fkez0510 season 6 plotline with river song is as bad as Clara retconing the show. I mean, maybe not as bad, but it's up close.

[@matthewrickard5050]

@@meurer13daniel bro what season 6 is so overhated for no reason yk, its actually so much better then people give it credit for, and clara didnt retcon the show relax

[@jarekstorm6331]

I remember the exact moment I was completely and utterly hooked on the Matt Smith era. The opening of “The Time of Angels,” wherein River Song leaves a message for her future in order for the Doctor to save her in his past, and her complete trust in him so much so that she simply steps out of an open airlock, to of course be rescued by him at that exact point of space and time. “Follow that ship!” The theme kicks full force, and we are off! THAT is Doctor Who!

[@tehRogue]

Eleven consistently had the best speeches so emotional and impactful his regeneration speech is no acceptation definitely the best we have had so far.

[@FullForce098]

He had the best speeches because he had the best writer. Moffat's dialogue writing is easily one of his best qualities that doesn't get remarked on nearly enough.

[@jsnow7919]

11 really is my Doctor. Maybe not the most consistent era, but just so many moments/lines that define Doctor Who. It was a pleasure hearing you gush over The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang for 10 minutes haha. Thanks for all your hard work on these!!

[@jackfreedman]

I'd be lying if I said that the Eleventh Doctor's farewell speech and scene doesn't reduce me to tears, even to this day. Such a well written piece and performance. Thank you for this amazing video, bringing back so many memories of watching the Eleventh Doctor's adventures for the first time. Cannot wait for Capaldi's episode! These videos are well worth the wait.

[@gamewithadam7235]

Tom baker is a fantastic actor even in his 80s. Brilliant man. The way he says congratulations just seals the deal.

[@pandoranbias1622]

The Smith Era holds a very special place in my heart. When I was 10 or so and I first got Netflix, I remember watching Doctor Who on my mother's laptop day after day on my grandmother's couch. I binged series 1-4, thoroughly enjoying the witty but wry 9th and 10th Doctors. I remember crying when the 10th Doctor regenerated. It felt like I was actually watching someone die. When I clicked "next" and began series 5 however, it felt different. The camerawork, the action, Smith himself, it gave me a bit of tonal whiplash. I of course didn't really understand why at the time. And then I heard that music, as the camera floated over a shot of Amelia Pond's backyard. That was something special that I'll never forget. For that moment, that glorious moment, I felt like I was in a fairytale. I guess that's why I loved it so much, being a American and all.

[@TheSunGamer101]

Regardless of my feelings towards Moffatt’s writing in the rest of Smiths run, I have to say that the eleventh hour is perhaps the best new reincarnation episode ever

[@danevans3333]

Eleventh Hour is honestly superb, it's such a tightly written episode, there is absolutely no fat on it, it's so lean that it gets every single thing it needs to done to the perfect level and not a scrap more

[@TGM_Productions]

Matt Smith’s era of Doctor Who was the period when I became a fan of the show. It feels like a lifetime ago but I remember watching the 50th anniversary movie in theatres. I miss Matt smith as the doctor, he is *my* doctor. And this is my favourite era of all of Doctor who. I love all of it. It has shaped my identity and personality. The whimsical carefree thrill-seeking alien trying to pass off a human is a perfect contrast to his dark traumatic past and I feel it a lot. The emotional and nostalgic angle the show goes for, the fairytale aesthetic just appeals to me tenfold. The only con is that I always have this strong taste of bittersweetness. As much I love this era, I can’t say I am entirely happy about it. It brings me nostalgic pain, the same I’m sure The Doctor experiences especially when he loses Amy & Rory. Series 7B is especially saddening to me. You can really feel it with how he acts and especially with the rings speech. Anyhow, this is my favourite era of the show, Matt smith is my favourite Doctor- some of the stories like “Amy’s Choice”, “The God Complex”, “The Girl Who Waited” are some of my favourite episodes of the revival. But yes the best aspect is definitely The Doctor, Amy, Rory & River’s connection and storyline. As a whole it’s the era that sums up why I love Doctor Who. It’s the tale of a sad weary traveller who’s lost so many friends over the years, but still upholds his moral integrity and battles the merciless evils the universe breeds. This doctor is loving, caring, dark and tragic and his last moments are in acceptance of change - acceptance of change and moving on. It’s a beautiful era, with its faults for sure but beautiful non the less.

[@manic221]

The Matt Smith era of Who is my favourite era of modern who. Matt Smith is such a wonderful doctor.

[@christianthomey7352]

that scene from Day of the Doctor when all 13 doctors come and save Gallifrey still gives me chills to this day.

[@deanoplays9876]

I know I'm in the minority but I absolutely loved series 6. It felt like the show suddenly wasn't scared to delve into really deep, complex and character driven sci-fi. Overall Smith won me over very fast as one of the best Doctors. A young face with an old soul.

[@FullForce098]

You're only in the minority on the internet. Most people seem to agree that the drop in quality is between 7 and 8, but season 6 is still remarkably strong and well liked despite a convoluted plot. Please don't ever let people on the internet make you feel bad for liking Steven Moffat style of writing or River Songs storyline. Let's remember the last few years have shown us what bad Doctor Who under an incompetent showrunner actually looks like. Season 6 is is not bad, not in the slightest

[@danevans3333]

Imo series 6 is really good when it hits and reallllly bad when it doesn't. It certainly lacks a lot of the tight feel of series 5, it feels very scattered and unplanned, but when it has a good episode they're often so well done. The Doctors Wife springs to mind. I do see it as where the drop in quality comes for Moffat, a drop that he wouldn't start to recover from until series 8 and wouldn't fully recover from till series 9

[@danevans3333]

@@FullForce098 I'll make a counter argument to you, series 6 compared to series 5 is not nearly as tight and has a lot more complete duds of episodes. It's also got a lot more entirely forgettable episodes. But when Series 6 gets it right, it REALLY gets it right, Doctor's Wife, Girl Who Waited, The God Complex, episodes that are easily among the top rung the show has ever done. Series 6 as a whole isn't really bad, it's just mid. Series 7 is mostly abysmal and even then, compared to what we've had since it almost looks perfect in comparison

[@remconet]

Minority?? Series 6 was Matt Smith's (and Moffat's) best series imo. The mystery and the storyline, absolutely brilliant.

[@Technoid10]

All I can say is if it wasn’t for Matt Smith I wouldn’t have gotten into Doctor Who he is and will always be my first and favorite doctor!

[@shoogles_]

27:30 Oh absolutely! I Am The Doctor is such a perfect theme, the tempo capturing the stumbling, breathless energy of the Eleventh Doctor, the instrumentation accounting for the depth and majesty of the things he's experienced; boundless youth and impossible age captured in the same way Smith does. Eleven's my favourite. What a fantastic retrospective. Thank you for these!

[@oisinoreilly5307]

The perfect appetizer after a momentous week of Doctor Who! Since I joined the fandom late from 2009, I was searching for my era of Who and when 2010 hit, everything changed! I'll never forget seeing the Eleventh Hour for the first time at my granny's house and being blown away by Matt Smith and his effortless performance. Always is and always will be my Doctor💙 A fantastic analysis as always Richard, well done to you👏👏👏

[@ClintBandito]

I actually got really emotional towards the end of this. Matt is my favourite doctor. I was 11 when 11 came in and I just adored the fairytale wonder, but also the awkward excitability of his incarnation that reflected my own personality that came out at home, but rarely in public. It was like seeing myself without fear. I actually don't get emotional though over the climax how his final story. I've watched it many times, though I certainly still adore his final speech every time I'm certainly very familiar with it and I've never really been one to struggle with the change of Doctors. However the way this video brought it all together and captured the journey of his era, I honestly got a bit teary eyed. Love these I look forward to the next one when it suddenly takes me by surprise.

[@RTheu2109]

Everytime the RIngs of Akhaten theme plays tears just starts flowing, Capaldi might be my favorite doctor, but Matt Smith's era soundtrack is timeless

[@cheesemo_378]

It's been 9 years and his final line still makes me teary eyed

[@galacto8769]

I grew up on Smith (yes i know im a youngin) and this essay made me cry multiple times. Thank you for honoring an era that defined my childhood. 10/10

[@DeValiere_]

Exemplary work as usual. I must admit when Matt Smith was announced as the new Doctor, I was not at all happy about it. But he proved to be a wonderful Doctor, and I learnt a valuable lesson about judging books by their covers. Thank you for continuing this series. Truly a labour of love and appreciated.

[@sandstormxx]

Honestly this is more positive than my read. This did make me appreciate series 5 a whole lot more, and the anniversary special, but I remember being so annoyed at the christmas special. I appreciate Moffat's ability to write big ideas and more convoluted plotlines, but I found myself exasperated by the finale, and it felt like it focussed more on the ideas of the Doctor and the concept, rather than a story about the actual doctor. All the silence stuff that had been dragged across lots of seasons (and made up as it went along, I would guess) ended up being resolved in this underwhelming episode. Really did nothing for me. I appreciated Capaldi's era for stripping away some of the large ideas that always ended up being resolved in a fairly unsatisfying way, with the arcs being more contained to one season.

[@joanm.perezrivera12]

I don’t even watch the videos because I spend most of my days rewatching the show or working, but I have to like every one of them whenever they come up on my feed

[@ThinkingCog]

I can not stress how much I've been looking forward to this. My favourite Doctor and my favourite Whovian critic/ documentarian!

[@oldoldmeme]

The Day of the Doctor happened in a time in my life where I had no friends due to having had to move to a different part of the country into a new school where I shared no similar interests with anybody. Doctor Who was pretty much all I had at that point in my life, and having something to genuinely look forward to in the form of the 50th anniversary legitimately saved me. Something I had a genuine passion for, a show that I turned to for guidance in life, was being celebrated in such a monumentally beautiful way, they hype I had for the actual anniversary episode exceeded anything I've ever looked forward to before or even since. Whilst this was a pretty shitty era in my life, I will treasure the pure joy that the Day of the Doctor gave me for the rest of my life, I have never felt so apart of something as I did watching that glorious episode.

[@demon_hawkeye5269]

The day of the doctor is possibly matt smith's best (and that's saying something considering how many other great episodes he has) it's god tier and glad to hear that you had something to help you through that difficult period, I've always turned to getting absorbed into fiction when I'm in a difficult spot too

[@rorywatt9752]

Ik everyone likes to say tennant/RTD was peak who, but Matt Smith and this era of Moffat is always amongst my favourite of all tv. Say what you will about moffat’s stories being sometimes convoluted, they are always engaging. Matt smith rode a perfect line between obsessive child-like uncle and wise old professor/veteran, somehow the youngest incarnation felt the oldest and the youngest at the same time thanks to him

[@jazzygeofferz]

Matt Smith is my Doctor. I was starting to realise that I'm on the Autistic spectrum at this time, and found his portrayal of the Doctor so relatable. That energy, the misunderstanding and over explaining, and then the weariness as he gets burned out towards the end. That brilliance coming out of his apparently goofiness, the way he moves. I saw so much of myself in him. I cried like a baby when he regenerated, but he will always be my Doctor.

[@wispa1a]

High rewatch value I found.

[@ThreadBomb]

I didn't find the storylines too convoluted, and it always surprised me when fans complained that this show about a time traveller was using time travel as a plot device.

[@TaterProduction]

@@ThreadBomb oh my gosh YES. so many times when someone tells me why they don't like the Moffat era like- the stories are too convoluted, or the doctor is portrayed like a god, my response is yes of course I love it for those reasons!! smh...

[@soundgal_sine_qua_non]

Have I just spent my whole day watching this entire documentary series on a show I love? Yes. Yes I have. These episodes are so well done. The time and research you've put into them is very much appreciated. It's helped me contextualize each era, especially in Classic Who, in a way I hadn't before. Excited to see the future segments!

[@Saeiyu]

This video captures very well the reasons why this era was my favorite and still remains beloved to me. Sure the call backs got annoying after a while but Matt Smith often gave some of the most iconic quotes in 21st century WHO so far. It was full of depth, humpr, tragedy. I remember commenting on Social Media when the special was announced that if they played the Last Song in the send off I would wail. When I heard those first keys in the episode the first time and now a bit close to 10 years later I am still a mess. But if they had not I would be so upset. I was not planning on crying on my birthday but here I am, remembering one of my favorite doctors. I loved how much more curious about everything and how obvious it was that the 11th doctor was enjoying himself in the wonders of life in every second on screen. There was pure joy, even when he had become bitter and jaded, the 11th doctor was still thrilled with what was to come and I will always remember the person I was when I watched this era.

[@TheArticulatingAnoraksPodcast]

I’ve been having really bad anxiety lately and I found watching your previous retrospectives helped take my mind off it so thank you so much for this 😊

[@cleverdickfilms]

You're most welcome! I'm honoured that my little films can bring you some respite. Anxiety is something with which I'm very familiar. Know that you are not alone!

[@andylikesstuffchannel]

They really work to put your mind into the Doctor Universe and History for me got to give this chap credit I'm 46 and watched the Doctor for aslong as I can remember.

[@alfiesmith4115]

12th doctor erA

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

Smith and Moffat definitely delivered, coming off of the shoes of perhaps the most popular era Doctor Who has ever faced with the RTD and Tennant era. Series 5's definitely a great season with episodes like Vincent and The Doctor. Series 6 and 7 are mixed, but Smith delivered every single time in these episodes

[@DemonBlanka]

The whole acting cast consistently delivered, Angels take Manhattan might be a bit of a dumb episode but my god if the finale doesnt bring me to tears every time and it lies squarely on the shoulders of those three.

[@noahjohnson5603]

2 hours felt like 30 minutes. Damn, I could watch an 8 hour version with no problem, these are so comfortable and engaging. Can’t wait for the next one. Here’s to Capaldi!

[@michellecgb]

Not me crying multiple times watching this as I remember how I felt when I experienced Matt Smith’s era for the first time. What a wonderful time they gave us.

[@kirkkerman]

Sometime after the end of series 6 and months before series 7, my sister decided to try out this show her friends had been watching. By sheer luck, the first episode we happened to tune into was The Eleventh Hour. I was instantly hooked. I ended up diving into the entirety of the new series and some of the old. By the time Capaldi rolled along I felt ready for a Doctor closer to those of the older eras, and I ended up putting Smith mostly out of my mind. It's been such a gem to come back and re-appreciate the magic that was imbued into his era. I only hope that future seasons can also wear down my jaded, know-it-all fandom and make me believe anything is possible again...

[@DanLouisell]

How wonderful it was to revisit this era! I love your insight and commentary, and it helps highlight just what an achievement Day of the Doctor was. Great work as always, can’t wait to see your take on Capaldi, my favorite Doctor!

[@ezpzanimation6658]

Amazing work! Well worth the wait you clever boy

[@ernestkulyk5466]

You brought me back to my favorite era of Doctor Who. What a special time it was for me. Thank you so very much for your incredible work! I got very nostalgic and quite emotional on multiple occasions. Definitely not the last time I'm watching this!

[@ridercrusader01julian65]

What I love the most about Matt's intro above others was that feeling that, especially with the context of matt's overarching narrative, was the feeling that the universe itself was closing in on the doctor and each villain and phenomenon taking a hand at taking him down. Truly a great era he was

[@joshcrawshaw5410]

Just finished another watch through of this video series- absolutely amazing, the quality is out of this world! I can’t wait for the Capaldi episode!

[@lewys811]

Normally a wait this long for a video would bore me but the consistent quality and information provided by this series makes the wait all the better and reassures us viewers that the end product will be of that same quality as the others. I can't (but am absolutely happy to) wait for the next one.

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@davidburke709]

If I could only like this a thousand times. I started out with Tom Baker in his run when they were shown on our PBS station in New Orleans in the early 1980s. Smith's doctor was brilliant and this series never fails to reconnect me back to the TARDIS. Thanks!

[@Orieni]

Heh, I was there, watching those same episodes on that same channel. Small universe.

[@ethanrapp6998]

The Murray Gold segment was beautifully written. Well said. Very well said. Edit: Actually this whole thing was beautiful written and very well said. Outstanding video.

[@gm2407]

The last 3 episodes of the Smith era might be the best send off to a Doctor I have ever seen.

[@meg1653]

I've already rewatched this video a couple times, it's genuinely so great. The Matt Smith era was so great and this retrospective is absolutely top notch

[@marcostsuna1]

Matt was my first doctor, and I didn't even start with his first series, I started at series 7. But I watched it all to the end. I was there for the Day of the Doctor and his reincarnation. Later I went back to series 1, and so on. And still, Matt's "I will always remember when the doctor was me" still makes me cry.

[@philippeh3904]

Definitely have a soft spot for Smith’s tenure as he was my first doctor I watched and got me into Doctor Who. Thanks for these brilliant retrospectives

[@BBCord]

The 11th Doctor, my Doctor. I started with 9 with the reboot, but Matt Smith is the Doctor for me. So much love went into this video. Crying throughout 😭💙💙. Thank you ❤️

[@narrator69]

Tom Baker was my first Doctor, after that i had my cousins in England send me every episode prior that they could find. Seeing Tom show up in the special brought me to my feet shouting with glee. Looking forward to your next episode.

[@LindseyMoon13]

This just happened across my feed. My buddy passed away a few days ago and we had bonded over Doctor Who. I'm glad I came by these reviews.

[@cleverdickfilms]

I’m sorry for your loss. I hope my videos can bring you some solace. Best wishes.

[@LindseyMoon13]

@@cleverdickfilms Thank you 💜 I've binged a few so far and am looking forward to the rest. Started at Eccleston and worked my way up. Now about to backtrack to Hartnell. I've missed all of Whitaker's run because I don't have a platform that streams it, but I own Eccleston through Capaldi on D.V.D. lol

[@LindseyMoon13]

@@cleverdickfilms One day I'd like to own them all, but..money exists and is a thing lol

[@jacklawrence2212]

What can be said that already hasn't been? This is an amazing piece of work: Beautifully produced, full of love, detailed research and critical insight. Absolutely nails all the best things about Matt Smith's Doctor and the sense of wonder, weirdness and heroism with which his performance and era were blessed. Fantastic video, a real treat.

[@DavidSikfoi]

This is absolutely brilliant! The BBC couldn't make a better documentary series for Doctor Who than the one you have done. I've watched every part multiple times, but admittedly, I was very much looking forward to this one, because my best friend introduced me to Doctor Who in 2010, just as the Matt Smith-era was about to start. Blink was the first episode I ever saw, but Series 5 was my first series. He captivated me instantly, such an enigmatic actor, conveying the character's alien nature with his face and his age with his eyes and voice alone. He truly ended up becoming MY Doctor and Steven Moffat, for all his faults, was my kind of writer. Despite some less than stellar resolutions, he truly GOT the message of what was important in the Whoniverse. Thank you for helping me relive this era. :) Already looking forward to the next chapter!

[@tomitankengine]

Watching this review reinforces my belief that this was the best era of New Who for me. It wasn't perfect but there was SO MUCH that I loved about it.

[@jseeker1867]

This is the era of Doctor Who that introduced me to the whole shebang. I've heard about it but never saw an episode until I found a Series 5 DVD box set in my local library. I was about 16 at the time, but I was absolutely hooked.

[@benjaminalbright4003]

Every time I start to complain that these videos take too long to make, a new one drops and I reminded as to why they take this long. A well-researched, well put together 2 hour documentary that is well worth the wait. I cannot wait for Capaldi's!

[@nickl2854]

I'm so excited for the 12 video, that was the first era of the show that I was old enough to be consciously paying attention to.

[@Adamgratton0405]

And the wait for 12 begins…. Amazing work yet again

[@einootspork]

I remember being skeptical of how young he was too, and yet somehow he turned out to be the New Who Doctor that felt the most like an old man. Capaldi ironically felt incredibly youthful in comparison.

[@lakecountynaturalist7617]

You get beyond Smith’s youth. The guy is just so incredibly talented.

[@FacePimpd]

2009-2010 was the most exciting time to be a fan, for me. I really loved revisiting that particular moment. Brought back some nice memories.

[@loneassassin1015]

There is always that one scene when a new Doctor comes in where you see them and you say “That is totally the Doctor”. Sometimes it takes a couple of episode. To me Matt Smith was fully and truly the Doctor in The Eleventh Hour when they had the face montage and he pops up and says “I’m the Doctor. Basically, run.” Capaldi may be my all time favorite but Smith gave me goosebumps from the get go.

[@Zekrel]

Just got up to your coverage of the history of Dr. Who. I don’t think there are any words to describe your hard work. I’ve loved every word that you’ve uttered throughout this series of yours. Can’t wait for Part 13!

[@MinecraftianTNT]

I don’t regret joining the patreon to watch this early. I discovered your series last year with part 11 and I’ve been dying for part 12. Can’t wait for the next one in 2025 😅😂

[@cleverdickfilms]

I do hope I can bring it to you a bit sooner!

[@Tismdylan]

@@cleverdickfilms take all the time you need the series is great tho just one question will you end the series after calpaldi?

[@VermyScrubs]

@@Tismdylan ngl I would love to see his opinions on the Whittaker/Chibnall era hehe

[@hued2542]

@@VermyScrubs it would perfectly wrap up this whole retrospective if capaldi arrived in mid next year and jodie on the 60th anniversary. Full circle moment but im not pushing at al take all the time you need clever! ;)

[@Tismdylan]

@@VermyScrubs I mean I like Jodie just not with chibnall

[@paralyzia2568]

Amazing work as always. Been looking forward to this ever since part 11, and it was definitely worth the wait. I remember back when 11 was announced I was of the group of those who were sceptical of Matt Smith as The Doctor, but he assuaged my concerns almost instantly the moment he graced our screens.Looking back it is definitely one of my favourite eras of Doctor Who. Despite some of the stranger choices made by Moffatt, time has changed my opinions on the era and I now look back quite fondly of Matt Smith as The Doctor

[@Beer_Dad1975]

I respect Matt Smith as an actor, but his Doctor was just too manic for me, and Moffat's endless mystery box labyrinthine plotlines all but incomprehensible on first viewing. It's funny here he complains about earlier seasons being difficult to hear the dialogue, unlike prior seasons I found it so hard to follow much of the dialogue for 11, it was all so rapidly delivered, and overwhelmed by sound effects and music. Having said all that, time has definitely improved my opinion of the Moffatt/Matt Smith era.

[@matwilliams8012]

My favourite era with my favourite Doctor with the best writer the show has ever had at the height of his power and creativity. Season 5 is my favourite Season of Who, just beautifully told and constructed.

[@dclaiche]

This was my Doctor. My very first and absolute favorite, and I absolutely loved this incredible tribute to his tenure. Thank you

[@GordonHudson]

This was the best era of Who. It all came together. John Hurt was an amazing reveal too.

[@cianthompson2626]

Can't wait to watch this, your series so far has been nothing short of incredible. This series is the definitive doctor who documentary. Thanks for everything!

[@cleverdickfilms]

You are most welcome!

[@king2kx]

I got chills just rewatching that scene at the end of the first episode when he walks through all the images of the past doctors and says... "run". I dont think any of future doctors have hit as hard emotionally than Smith (or Tennant) This video just reminds me who good Smith was, I have always said Tennant was my Doctor, but after this I really think its a tie... a bowtie even 😅

[@andrewkos5560]

Finally financially stable enough to support you on Patreon again. Another masterclass Richard, wonderful job!

[@be4ut1ful.st4rl1ght]

Typing for engagement. This amount of effort is ridiculous thank you!!

[@cleverdickfilms]

You’re most welcome!

[@lbricks7631]

One of the most underappreciated parts of 11's regeneration is the music. The Long Song plays one last time, as the last of the Original Regenerations dies, recalling one life that evolves into another.

[@BXcredit]

Honestly, i wish the long song played longer throughout that final regeneration. I miss the 11th doctor, absolutely special era.

[@adamfreddo5703]

Absolutely Phenomenal. The definitive Doctor who retrospective in my opinion. Being more towards the RTD era than Moffat, I was blown away by the how much I completely turned around on this era watching it again and your video literally summarised my thought process watching it all again. The "14th Doctor" era video should be interesting considering recent news and confirmation. Might be your shortest video when you get to it.

[@TheMutantCreeper]

I’m so ready for this! Matt was my first and is my favorite Doctor. I’m excited to learn more about this era.

[@joyousmonkey6085]

Abso-bloomin-lutely marvellous! You've really pulled the stops out on this one. Matt Smith was the most "eccentric alien" of the new era, and I find myself looking back at his tenure with the same fondness I had for Tom Baker when I was a kid. Your superlative videos always seem to leave me feeling soothed and re-energised.

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@kathyastrom1315]

I’m an old-school Who fan going back to 1980, so Tom Baker will always be My Doctor. But, Matt Smith has become my favorite Doctor, just because he is such a fantastic actor. I couldn’t put my finger on why I liked him so much in the part until that last episode of his first season, when he was sitting beside the sleeping Amelia telling her the bedtime story of the madman and the box. He looked ancient, yet had no makeup on to convey that with outside means, just a stellar performance.

[@joyousmonkey6085]

@@kathyastrom1315 Matt Smith seemingly didn't need to act; he just oozed what was required to portray an ancient alien with a kick of chaos in his derriere.

[@themightythor1160]

25:25 - I remember hearing the new theme for the first time. How different it felt. It was a TOTAL SHOCK. I will forever adore this era of the show for introducing the concept of change to the new series.

[@OpenMawProductions]

One thing about Matt Smith's regeneration that has always perplexed me is the confusion so many people had about him *sneezing* into the 12th doctor. 11th Doctor makes it very clear "Like a breath on a mirror" The speech sets up the sudden shift. I started with McGann of all Doctors, but Matt Smith was always my Doctor.

[@Kian30398]

I remember sitting with my parents that Christmas day, bowtie and fez watching my second doctor's (live that is) regeneration through tears. The smile reassuring Clara also reassuring me. Just like the Doctor will always remember this face, so will I. What a wonderful timey wimey adventure!

[@TheCarbonatedMan]

I swear, these commentary style documentaries you make recapping the whole series from one incarnation to the next are some of the best videos/movies on KZbin.