Unforgettable Farewell: 7th Doctor's Emotional Reunion with Companion in Jaw-Dropping Doctor Who Episode after 33 Years

Summary

Sylvester McCoy's return to Doctor Who after 33 years was an emotional experience for him, getting fuller closure with his companion than before.

McCoy readily accepted the opportunity to act alongside Jodie Whittaker, whom he praised for her exuberance, dynamism, and skill.

While Doctor Who will satisfy fans' yearning for the past by featuring the return of David Tennant and Catherine Tate, it will also usher in fresh perspectives with the introduction of the first Black Doctor and the youngest companion to date.

Doctor Who's Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, shares his emotional experience of returning to the show. McCoy originally portrayed the Time Lord from 1987 to 1989, but recently made a comeback for the final episode of the Thirteenth Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, in season 13, episode 9, titled "The Power of the Doctor." He also reunited with his companion, Ace (Sophie Aldred). Moving on from the Whittaker era, Doctor Who is now preparing for its 60th anniversary specials and the upcoming season 14.

During an interview with RadioTimes.com, McCoy reflects on his return to Doctor Who after a gap of 33 years. He enthusiastically accepted the opportunity to work alongside Whittaker, praising her energetic and talented performance. McCoy also expresses his deep appreciation for reuniting with Aldred, and describes the emotional significance of having a more conclusive ending with his companion compared to their previous farewell in 1989. Here's the full quote from McCoy:

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As soon as we were approached to do it, I immediately agreed to come back and participate in Jodie's farewell performance. Moreover, I had been longing to collaborate with Jodie, who is an absolutely delightful and wonderful lady - she radiates joy, energy, vitality, and talent. She truly is a remarkable actress. It was an incredible experience to be a part of it, and despite the challenges, we managed to overcome them and deliver a great performance. The script itself was beautifully written, don't you think? It was a lovely experience overall. I must say, Sophie had the most difficult task as she was situated on top of a mountain in a cave, engaging in conversation with a brick wall. She likely did not even notice the difference between interacting with me and conversing with that brick wall! Nevertheless, she had to imagine my presence, and fortunately, Sophie was on set and supported me by feeding me my lines. This made my job much easier as I was able to look into her eyes while performing alongside her. It brought about a wave of nostalgia and an emotional connection. It was a truly poignant moment. Indeed, it meant a lot to finally bid farewell to Sophie. However, our legacy as Ace will endure. That line resonated deeply with me."

Tugging at heartstrings through homage is not a new concept in Doctor Who. Even before the revival, Doctor Who has brought together Time Lords in specials and guest appearances for many years, including iconic episodes like "The Five Doctors" and "The Day of the Doctor." Following "The Power of the Doctor," it appears that Doctor Who will embrace this nostalgic journey even further by reintroducing David Tennant as an interim Fourteenth Doctor, accompanied by Catherine Tate reprising her role as Donna Noble.

Honoring past Doctor Who eras is a strategic move for the current revival, given the dissatisfaction felt by many viewers during the Chris Chibnall seasons. Besides Tennant and Tate, there have been subtle hints and rumors about the return of the iconic Doctor Who showrunner and writer, Steven Moffat. It appears that the reappearance of former cast members will go beyond just Tate and Tennant.

However, the upcoming episodes of Doctor Who will not simply be desperate attempts to win back past audiences. The next Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, will be the first Black actor to take on the role, making history in the process. Furthermore, his companion, Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, will be the youngest companion ever at the age of 18 upon casting. With these new additions, as well as the celebration of the show's legacy, Doctor Who will introduce fresh perspectives in its upcoming 14th season.

Source: RadioTimes.com