Peter Capaldi Unveiled As the New Star of Doctor Who 242
Dave Knott writes "After months of speculation since Matt Smith announced that he was exiting the long-running British SF show Doctor Who, the BBC has announced the latest actor who will be taking on the titular role. In a live television announcement, with several previous stars on hand, it was revealed that Peter Capaldi will be portraying the newest incarnation of The Doctor. Capaldi is 55 years old, ending a recent trend towards younger Doctors, and had been flagged by bookmakers as the odd-on favourite in recent days, to the extent that they had suspended betting on the issue. He is best known for his role as the foul-mouthed government bureaucrat Malcolm Tucker on the The Thick Of It and has in fact showed up on Doctor Who previously as a guest star. But now Capaldi is set to take his place in the iconic lead role. To help celebrate the 50th anniversary, and the naming of the next Dr. Who, an ice cream shop put up a 35ft straw Dalek sculpture."
Re:GET READY.... (Score:5, Informative)
A 55 year old actor get my benefit of the doubt
Strangely enough, Capaldi is about the same age as William Hartnell was when he was the first Doctor. But Hartnell looked a lot older.
Re:GET READY.... (Score:5, Informative)
Frail? Wait until you hear the man curse. "The thick of it" is essentially the original bbc show that has since branched out to the US as Veep. It is pretty hilarious and Capaldi's Malcolm Tucker is unforgettable in every sense.
Check out this compilation [youtube.com] but be warned of strong language. My favorite quote at 5:20.
Re:I'll bitch... I wanted a bitch. (Score:4, Informative)
To clarify: 'Doctor' is indeed his name. Time lords, by their custom, may adopt a new title of their choosing to serve as their name, and from that point on no longer use their old name - though the exact circumstances in which this happens are unclear, it seems to apply predominantly to those who have left Gallifrey or who hold a high rank. The Doctor, the Master, the Rani, the Valeyard, the Corsair.
But he also has a doctorate that would be recognised on earth - honorary, but sufficient to get the title. Thus he may be addressed as 'Dr Doctor.'
He may also be assumed to have graduated from the Academy on Gallifrey with something equal to or greater than a doctorate, as this is a requirement to be a licensed (Since revoked) TARDIS traveler. The time lords don't let just any meddler screw around with time - there's a training course.