Exploring the Malleability of the Doctor's Regeneration: Subconscious Choices and Returned Faces
The regeneration process in the long-running British science fiction series Doctor Who is a fascinating aspect of the show, characterized by changes in appearance that can vary in intensity and complexity. Within this context, the Doctor's ability to choose and sometimes revisit old forms stands out as a unique and intriguing development. While the Doctor Who universe offers several instances of the Doctor's new faces being consciously selected or subconsciously chosen, certain elements suggest that there might be a realm of subconscious choices involved. Let's delve into this enigmatic phenomenon.
Subconscious Control Over Regeneration
One notable instance where the Doctor consciously chose a new form was during the episode "Night of the Doctor," where the Eighth Doctor, played by David Tennant, requested an elixir from the Sisterhood of Karn to become a warrior. The reason for this choice was later realized to be a subconscious reminder of how he saved Caecilius. However, the Doctor's ability to exert subconscious control over his new appearance is evident in several episodes. For example, the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), as mentioned in "Night of the Doctor," attempted to subconsciously channel his appearance back to a face he recognized from the past.
Time Lords, including the Doctor, have the ability to control their new forms, albeit often unconsciously. In the episode "The Stolen Earth," the Doctor regenerated back into the exact same form, redirecting regeneration energy into his severed hand. Additionally, the Curator (played by Malcolm Chibnall) clearly stated that the Doctor and other Time Lords can revisit “old faces.” This suggests that the Doctor can, through subconscious effort, maintain or mimic a familiar appearance during regeneration. This ability also applies to other characters like the Master and Romana.
Forced Regeneration and Old Faces
Regeneration is not always a choice left solely to the Time Lord undergoing it. Certain circumstances can force a particular outcome. For instance, in the Curator's statement, it implies that the Doctor has the potential to revisit old faces. This notion is further supported by instances where the Doctor seems to consciously choose a new form. In "Power of the Doctor," Jodie Whittaker regenerates to her surprise into David Tennant, suggesting that the Doctor can choose to return to a familiar face.
Fans speculate that the appearance of the Fourteenth Doctor could be influenced by the Celestial Toymaker, further emphasizing the mystical and orchestrated aspects of regeneration. Despite these specific examples, the Doctor Who universe often leaves room for randomness and quirky plot devices. For example, the Time Lords offered the Second Doctor a say in his next regeneration, and they chose a form for him. The Thirteenth Doctor's forced regeneration into the form of the Fugitive Doctor (Joshua Naismith) adds another layer of complexity to the regeneration process. Each instance of regeneration involves a degree of control, whether consciously or subconsciously.
In-verse Evidence and Practical Considerations
The in-verse evidence suggest that the Doctor can subconsciously select faces and revisit past forms. However, this process is not always straightforward. The Doctor's regeneration often remains sporadic, dictated by the universe's unique rules and whims. For instance, in the case of Colin Baker, the 6th Doctor, attempting to select a Roman Patrician face out of a desire he couldn't immediately explain indicated a subconscious choice. This choice was not made for practical reasons but rather on a whim or an unarticulated desire.
While the exact mechanics of subconscious choice remain unclear, it is clear that the Doctor can influence his new appearance without a full understanding of why. Further evidence comes from instances where the Doctor opting for a form that initially seems random later reveals a deeper, subconscious reason. The repeated use of actors by the same production team hints at an intentional, though not always consciously controlled, decision to maintain continuity.
Conclusion
The Doctor's ability to subconsciously choose and revisit forms during regeneration is a complex interplay of art and science within the Doctor Who universe. While the exact process remains a mystery, the available evidence suggests that the Doctor, along with other Time Lords, can exert a degree of control over their new appearances. This ability, though often subconscious, adds depth and intrigue to the series, making each regeneration a unique and telling design in the fabric of the show.