by Paul Robert Scott
Sylvester McCoy took over as the Doctor in 1987 during one of the show’s rockiest periods. With Colin Baker having been removed from the show, McCoy was brought in as a breath of levity from the sixth Doctor’s arrogance and abrasiveness. However, while McCoy initially began his part as a buffoonish comedian, he was soon made into one of the most interesting versions of the Time Lord. On first glance, he would come across as everyone’s favourite eccentric uncle, complete with question mark cardigan and umbrella; although a deeper inspection would reveal a much darker character.
Sylvester McCoy took over as the Doctor in 1987 during one of the show’s rockiest periods. With Colin Baker having been removed from the show, McCoy was brought in as a breath of levity from the sixth Doctor’s arrogance and abrasiveness. However, while McCoy initially began his part as a buffoonish comedian, he was soon made into one of the most interesting versions of the Time Lord. On first glance, he would come across as everyone’s favourite eccentric uncle, complete with question mark cardigan and umbrella; although a deeper inspection would reveal a much darker character.
Out of all of the Doctor’s regenerations, his seventh is possibly the one who underwent the biggest change over his run. Starting out as a somewhat kind hearted and foolish character, he slowly transformed himself into a far more ruthless and calculating incarnation. Rather than the spur of the moment and improvised solutions that many other Doctors had get out of their weekly predicaments, number seven instead seemed to plan ahead, so much so that he frequently came across as having a certain level of precognition.
As far as his enemies were concerned, the seventh Doctor could be the most dangerous of all his incarnations. As previously mentioned there was ruthlessness to his character which in turn impacted how he dealt with his adversaries. Whereas the Tenth Doctor may have tried to give his foes second chances and beg them to reconsider their dark ways, number seven seemed to take an almost “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach as he dispensed justice in unpredictable ways. Most famously he even tricked the Daleks into destroying their own homeworld by allowing Davros to get his hands on a deadly device of Time Lord design (some parts of the Doctor Who fandom even believe this could have been the starting gun for the Time War).
As far as his enemies were concerned, the seventh Doctor could be the most dangerous of all his incarnations. As previously mentioned there was ruthlessness to his character which in turn impacted how he dealt with his adversaries. Whereas the Tenth Doctor may have tried to give his foes second chances and beg them to reconsider their dark ways, number seven seemed to take an almost “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach as he dispensed justice in unpredictable ways. Most famously he even tricked the Daleks into destroying their own homeworld by allowing Davros to get his hands on a deadly device of Time Lord design (some parts of the Doctor Who fandom even believe this could have been the starting gun for the Time War).
While he used his cold and calculating edge when needed, he was no less a warm and caring Doctor. He would console his companions during their darkest moments, and quickly endeavour to cheer them up with a level of understanding and affection that many other Doctor’s struggled with. In the case of Mel’s departure, he even offered up a hug as a goodbye. His bond with his second companion, Ace was equally as close, with the two sharing an almost father and daughter relationship as they travelled around the universe.
For the rest of the time, eccentricity is the word that can best describe this Doctor. He was mysterious and observant of his surroundings, with a certain swagger that carried him from place to place casually and in his own singular pace. While he was no stranger to action when needed, he much preferred to stay calmly at the side lines for as long as possible. This certainly is the only Doctor who could get away with nonchalantly walking between two Arthurian Knights, locked in mortal combat and not even bat an eyelid.
For the rest of the time, eccentricity is the word that can best describe this Doctor. He was mysterious and observant of his surroundings, with a certain swagger that carried him from place to place casually and in his own singular pace. While he was no stranger to action when needed, he much preferred to stay calmly at the side lines for as long as possible. This certainly is the only Doctor who could get away with nonchalantly walking between two Arthurian Knights, locked in mortal combat and not even bat an eyelid.
It is sad to say that while Sylvester McCoy brought us some of the finest examples of classic Doctor Who, such as the epic Battlefield and the 25th Anniversary celebratory episode Remembrance of the Daleks, the Seventh Doctor also brought us some of the worst. By this point in Doctor Who history, writing quality was on a steady decline with stories ranging from the dull to the downright absurd. However, despite this the Seventh Doctor still brought us some of the finest moments in the show’s history. The Doctor had matured and grown from the wild, immature adventurer and had become a truly alien and wise entity. In some ways, it is most fitting that this was the final Doctor of the classic series run, as by the end you could truly believe that this was a Time Lord who had developed into his prime.
Did you enjoy the Seventh Doctor's more pragmatic attitude?
Did the writing style put you off?
Let us know in the comments!
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