Jodie Whittaker's Farewell Doctor Who Episode Pays Tribute to Paul McGann's Unique Role

Jodie Whittaker's farewell to Doctor Who allowed the Eighth Doctor's most notable appearance in franchise canon to be gently made fun of, and it happened with Paul McGann present. In her finale episode, Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor came face-to-face with an impressive number of former actors to play the Doctor, and an exchange between two of them was a coy nod to McGann's Doctor Who movie.

Of all the actors to play the Doctor, Paul McGann ranks somewhere near the bottom of the rankings when it comes to his time spent on screen. However, he was still the latest in a long line of actors to redefine the Doctor. Although he has barely featured within the franchise's flagship property, McGann's Eighth Doctor has been used quite liberally in Doctor Who novels, comics, and even audio adventures. However, most fans will know him from his 1996 TV movie.

Doctor Who's "The Power Of The Doctor" Poked Fun At The 1990s Movie

The Seventh Doctor makes a sly criticism of the Eighth in Whittaker's final episode

The poster for 1996's Doctor Who movie - The Seventh Doctor makes a sly criticism of the Eighth in Whittaker's final episode - Doctor Who's "The Power Of The Doctor" Poked Fun At The 1990s Movie

Paul McGann's Doctor Who movie marked his debut in the franchise and brought about controversial changes to the established continuity. Considered a unique addition to the series, the movie stood out for various reasons. The distinctiveness of both the film and McGann's portrayal is alluded to in a line from Sylvester McCoy's Seventh Doctor in "The Power of the Doctor." Refusing to wear robes, Eight is met with Seven's remark, "There's always one. Has to be different."

Seven's reply could be in reference to more than Eight's refusal to don the appropriate attire. McGann's Doctor up until that point had differed greatly from the other iterations of the Time Lord. For instance, McGann is still the only Doctor to appear in a movie.

He was the first Doctor to have a romantic encounter with his companion, and the only Doctor to be "half-human." As such, the Eighth Doctor was indeed "Different" in various ways from his previous regenerations.

"The Power of the Doctor" was a significant episode for McGann, as it was his first appearance in the main show without the reliance on archived footage. Despite his storied history with Doctor Who, this marked a new chapter for the Eighth Doctor.

Modern Doctor Who has rectified the issues with McGann's version of the Time Lord

Neil Patrick Harris as The Toymaker on stage in Doctor Who - Modern Doctor Who has rectified the issues with McGann's version of the Time Lord - The Eighth Doctor Is Less "Different" Now

McGann's Doctor may have been unconventional during the release of the movie, but there have been other Doctors who also deviate from the traditional portrayal of the character. John Hurt's War Doctor, who appeared after Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor, was introduced solely for the Doctor Who anniversary special. Another example is the Fugitive Doctor portrayed by Jo Martin under Chris Chibnall's tenure as showrunner. Martin's Doctor predates even the original Time Lord, causing a significant disruption in the character's timeline.

Furthermore, the Eighth Doctor's assertion of being "half-human," though illogical, can now be attributed to the Toymaker's interference in the Doctor's history. Consequently, this perplexing aspect of canon no longer elicits the same level of confusion it once did. Therefore, while the Seventh Doctor's jest towards the Eighth Doctor was partly accurate, the differences between McGann and his counterparts in Doctor Who are now less pronounced.

The classic era of Doctor Who is available to stream on Tubi. All the 2005 revival-era episodes can be found on Max, but all the episodes from 2023 onward are on Disney+.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the significance of Paul McGann's Eighth Doctor in the Doctor Who franchise, particularly his notable appearance in the 1996 TV movie. It highlights the unique aspects of McGann's portrayal, such as his unconventional appearance and actions, which garnered both praise and criticism. The article also examines how subsequent Doctors have challenged traditional norms and how McGann's "half-human" statement has been recontextualized in the expanded universe.

Overall, the article effectively explores the evolution of the Doctor character and how McGann's Eighth Doctor, despite his limited screen time, has left an enduring mark on the franchise. It acknowledges the criticisms surrounding his portrayal while recognizing the ways in which modern iterations of the Doctor have embraced diversity and innovation. The article's focus on McGann's appearance in Jodie Whittaker's farewell episode adds a personal touch to the analysis, showcasing the interconnectedness of the Doctor's various incarnations.