Let the speculation begin...

[wshaffer]

David Tennant announces he is leaving Doctor Who at the end of 2009.

I'm a bit surprised - If I'd been asked to bet, I'd have put my money on Tennant leaving at the end of 2010, just because I figured that they wouldn't have gone to all the trouble of shortening the 2009 season so drastically to accomodate Tennant's other projects if he wasn't coming back for a full season later. Still, this gives them plenty of time to pave the way for Doctor number 11.

I know lots of fans will be dismayed by this. Personally, I'll only be dismayed if they cast someone terrible as his replacement - I like Tennant, but regeneration is part of the show, and I'm personally ready to see what someone else could do with the part.

I'm a little confused about timing, though. Does this mean we get a regeneration in the Christmas special for 2009? 'Cause that would be a bit of a downer. (Well, if you're a sad fan like me, who always weeps during regenerations.)

Comments

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I never bonded to Dr Who, but I am fascinated with the way that regeneration has been written into the very fabric of the show. I can't think of another show where such a central character can get switched out and have it be completely normal.

[wshaffer.livejournal.com]

It is an ingenious idea, and I'm sometimes surprised that more shows haven't copied the idea. (Though I suppose most science fiction shows have much more pressing problems than "How can we gracefully survive replacing our lead actor 10 or more times?")