How does Matt Smith’s Dr. Who Compare to Previous Actors?

Ranking subjective topics like actors playing the same role is often seen as a goal elusive task. Google’s search algorithms prioritize content that is detailed and informed. This article delves into a comparative analysis of Matt Smith’s portrayal of Dr. Who with other notable Doctors to highlight how his performances stand out. Different people will look for different things, and the Doctor, with its dynamic nature, is at the heart of this discussion.

The Role of the Doctor

The role of the Doctor is a unique entity, endlessly reinvented with each new actor. There is no canonical play or novel to interpret; instead, each new version is a fresh creation forged between the actor, the showrunners, and the writers. This combination is crucial in defining the iconic character.

Consistency and Interpretation

Jodie Whittaker could certainly be superb in the role, but she faced scripts and a conception of the Doctor that went against some important aspects of the character. One of the most notable instances was the Kerblam! storyline, where the Doctor destroys a sentient and increasingly sympathetic artificial intelligence with ease and without remorse. This action is not reflective of the Doctor as I envision it, who is conflicted by compassion and guilt, and would never harm sentient beings gratuitously.

A Defining Moral Sense

The Doctor is characterized by a strong moral sense, which is central to the character I want to see on screen. The Doctor goes to great lengths to save everyone and feels immense guilt when they cannot. For instance, the Doctor would never destroy the Daleks at their inception, despite their potential for destruction. This moral ambiguity is a crucial part of the character's essence.

Alien Nature and Perception

Beyond the superficial traits such as having two hearts, the Doctor is supposed to be an alien. This means being fundamentally different from humans in perception and reaction. Tom Baker, in his portrayal, embodied this alien nature exceptionally well, drawing from his own strange personal traits to play the Doctor. Despite my high regard for Tom Baker, no actor since him has captured the essence of the alien more compellingly than Matt Smith.

Exploring Matt Smith’s Performance

Matt Smith’s first episode, The Beast Below, underscores his ability to embody the Doctor who grapples with moral dilemmas and defines himself by the high standards he sets. The climactic scene sums up his performance brilliantly. In the face of an ethical quandary, the Doctor is confronted with choices that are agonizing, and his decision to pass a massive electrical charge through the Star Whale's brain, while painful, is an act of mercy.

The Doctor states, “Im going to pass a massive electrical charge through the Star Whale's brain—from which there's a chance the creature might not recover. In the meantime, the ship will still fly but the whale won’t feel it.” When Amy comments, “That'll be like killing it,” the Doctor responds, “Look, there are three options: One, I let the Star Whale continue in unendurable agony for hundreds more years. Two, I kill everyone on this ship. Three, I murder a beautiful innocent creature as painlessly as I can. And then I… I find a new name because I won’t be The Doctor anymore.” This encapsulates the inner conflict and the high moral standards the Doctor adheres to.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Doctor Who

Some may argue that previous Doctors, such as Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, also exhibited these qualities. However, Matt Smith’s portrayal is more aligned with the current concept of the Doctor, which is more about finding peaceful solutions and ensuring the coexistence of species. His performance in The Beast Below is a prime example of this, making him a standout portrayal in the series.

Matt Smith’s performance suggests that he is the best articulation of the character’s moral and alien nature. While Tom Baker’s portrayal is still cherished and remembered fondly, Smith has undoubtedly made a significant impact and set a new standard for the role of the Doctor.