The Evolution of the Doctor: From Least to Most Heteronormative Incarnations

In the vast and ever-evolving universe of Doctor Who, the figure of the Doctor has not only undergone numerous physical transformations but also shifts in his behavior and attitudes towards sexuality. This essay explores the 13 incarnations of the Doctor, from Hartnell to Capaldi, ranked from least heteronormative to most, based on their actions and dialogues.

Introduction to Heteronormative Behavior in Doctor Who

While the Doctor Who saga often defies traditional norms, certain iterations of the Doctor have exhibited more explicit challenges to heteronormative expectations. This essay aims to analyze these moments, which range from accepting romantic gestures to displaying a cavalier attitude towards sex-swapping, and place them in chronological order.

The Table

Here is a summary of how the Doctors rank from least to most heteronormative, based on their actions and dialogues:

Doctor Heteronormative Score Description VIII Lowest -In the Expanded Universe, Eight clearly demonstrates non-heteronormative behavior by kissing whomever is looking to be kissed. IX Medium to High -Nine accepts a kiss from Jack without complaint and shows openness towards the same-sex relationship when Rose flirts with him back. Implications in “The Long Game” suggest that he once visited Paris and kissed strangers. X Medium -Ten’s behavior is somewhat ambiguous, but he once told Martha in “Daleks in Manhattan” that she could kiss him later out of thanks and similarly told Frank that he could as well. Nevertheless, his interactions are not explicitly depicted as non-heteronormative. Eleven and Twelve Medium to High -Eleven kisses Rory out of excitement and later slaps him for being worked up over nothing. He dances with all men and women at the Pond’s wedding, and once accidentally created an android boyfriend. Twelve makes a motion and mouths “call me” during one scene, describes the Master as his “man crush”, and shows a cavalier attitude towards sex-swapping during regeneration. Hartnell, Trevor, Classic and Eleventh High -The earliest iterations of the Doctor are notably heteronormative. They are not depicted as openly non-heteronormative, and their primary relationships are with opposite-sex companions.

Less Heteronormative Doctors: Eight (Matt Smith), Nine (David Tennant), and Second (Patrick Troughton)

While most iterations of the Doctor adhere to heteronormative standards, some of the least heteronormative statements can be found in the following Doctors:

Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor)

-During several scenes, Matt Smith's Doctor, who is often referred to as 'The Eleventh', crosses boundaries of heteronormativity. For instance, in one episode, when Psi was exiting the TARDIS, he made a motion and mouthed 'call me', indicating a willingness to engage in non-heteronormative behavior. He has also described the Master as his 'man crush' and shown a cavalier attitude towards sex-swapping during regeneration. These portrayals contribute to his ranking as one of the least heteronormative Doctors.

David Tennant (Tenth Doctor)

-David Tennant’s portrayal of the Tenth Doctor is less heteronormative than his predecessor and successor. He has been recorded to have shown openness towards non-heteronormative behavior. For instance, in the episode “Daleks in Manhattan,” he invited Martha to kiss him as a sign of gratitude. Similarly, he was not opposed to the idea of dancing with multiple individuals, both male and female, at the Pond’s wedding. Additionally, he once accidentally created an android boyfriend. These gestures indicate a more fluid approach to relationships and gender roles, making him somewhat less heteronormative than others.

Patrick Troughton (Second Doctor)

-The Second Doctor, played by Patrick Troughton, is one of the earliest incarnations of the role. Although he did not explicitly engage in non-heteronormative behavior, his dialogues suggest a more traditional and heteronormative viewpoint, making him the least heteronormative among the Doctors analyzed here. He is primarily associated with opposite-sex companions, reflecting the norms of his era in the show.

Conclusion

From the detailed explorations of each Doctor's behavior and dialogues, it becomes evident that the Doctor's perception of heteronormativity has evolved over time. The figures of the First, Second, and perhaps even the Third Doctor are traditionally seen as adhering to heteronormative norms, whereas Matt Smith and David Tennant have contributed significantly to the show's progressive stance. As Doctor Who continues to push boundaries, its portrayal of the Doctor remains both a reflection of and a challenge to societal norms.