Eighth Doctor

The Eighth Doctor is the name given to the eighth incarnation of the Doctor seen on screen in the long-running BBC television science-fiction series Doctor Who. He was portrayed by Paul McGann.

Personality

The Eighth Doctor of the television movie was easily the most Romantic of all the Doctors, with his Byronesque hairstyle and gentle, debonair air. Possessed of a boyish charm, he seemed to face the universe with an almost youthful sense of wonder and enthusiasm, and encouraged the people around him to seize life instead of withdrawing from it. Although open about his feelings and fears, the frivolous exterior also masked what seemed to be a very old soul.

Related Topics:
Romantic - Byronesque

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In this regard, elements of his personality were reminiscent of the vulneralbility and humanity of the Fifth Doctor and the quiet determination of the Seventh Doctor in the face of evil. Like the Second Doctor, he also often knew much more than he let on, and like the Third Doctor he delighted in dropping the names of famous historical figures he had known over the centuries. The Eighth Doctor also seemed to enjoy giving people hints of their own futures, apparently to prod them into making the right decisions. Doctor Who producer Russell T. Davies commented that the Eight Doctor seemed to be the character "summing up" himself at the end of the millennium.

Related Topics:
Fifth Doctor - Seventh Doctor - Second Doctor - Third Doctor - Russell T. Davies

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The Eighth Doctor of the audio plays (voiced by McGann) and the comic strip are closest to the television movie Doctor. The Eighth Doctor of the novels retains the core personality, but perhaps due to the rather traumatic adventures that he underwent, exhibited a darker and more brooding personality on occasion.

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The Eighth Doctor also attracted controversy in the television movie, breaking the long-standing taboo against romantic involvement with his companions by kissing Grace Holloway. Fans were extremely divided on this, as well as the revelation that the Doctor was apparently half-human. See here for more details.

Related Topics:
Companions - Grace Holloway - Here

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