Endings to a journey

Updates, updates, updates. And what news to share indeed. David Tennant, Mr. One and Only, has now officially resigned from his post on "Doctor Who", and forsaken the role of The Doctor, much to the disappointment and frustration and grief of fandom worldwide. Actually, it's made the headlines of all British tabloids and it received a major note in today's Entertainment sections in Norwegian newspapers; which is huge, considering we don't even have "Doctor Who" on the telly anymore. Anyways, it's all over the news sections, and the "who next"-word plays and "doctor"-puns are continuously taken to new levels. Everyone's discussing it, or so it seems, and the speculations are intense, as to who will take over - first and foremost - and how David himself will got out; what his final words as Ten will be, how he'll regenerate, what he'll do, and who he'll be with. Personally, I have about the same feeling now that I had when Christopher Eccleston was leaving, some odd years ago - which, as far as I rememeber, lasted so long, I thought I would never get over it. Actually, I never did. I still mourn his departure, and I still miss him a lot, but at least I'm rid of the hatred against David that I beheld back then, and all the heavy criticism I directed towards him, because I found him such a horrid replacement for The Best Doctor Ever. Chris, that is. At the moment, however, I'm sad and upset to a point equal to old times, but as distinct from the case with Nine's regeneration, I - regretfully - have no successor to blame it on; no silly dork to compare with the excellence that is David Tennant, like I did with, er, David Tennant - once upon a time, when he seemed like a silly dork, and I thought Christopher was excellent beyond compare. Situations changed, though, and I grew to like Mr. Tennant more than I'd ever imagined, and I retracted my harsh opinions completely, confirming my admiration for his skills many a time, and I'd regard his portrayal of the character as one of the finest, ever, one that is true to its mythology and the Universe of DW in general. He is intensely likeable; funny, charming, mysterious, handsome, strange, bouncy, looney, inventive, evasive, strong-willed, blunt, absent-minded. In short, he's got a bit of everything, and should appeal to everyone. He has, in short, been a wonderful Doc, and a brilliant fanboy to cast, which - again - made it easier to like him, because he obviously enjoyed the show and starring therein so very much. Also, what really did it for me was the instant chemistry he had with Billie Piper, whom I've adored from Episode One, and the fact that the bonded in real life and are now best friends - what's not to love about that? Furthermore, he's made a firm, notable, downright impeccable impression that will linger for years to come, demonstrating himself to be an incredible actor and, possibly, the most charismatic man on TV. So, in spite of my not having any real proof yet for my naming him "unparalleled" in the history of the show, and no-one to bash for not living up to his (proven) standards, I'll still draw the conclusion that he's succeeded, and outshone most, because I've come to like him so much in spite of the immediate disconent, and I've come to love the show even more after Chris left, much due to the power of the (evolving) friendship between him and Rose, and I think that David, Billie and Catherine Tate are so unique as television actors, not to forget the chemistry between them, that they all deserve that kind of honour. "Doctor Who" really is the best there is. And, if not my incontestable favourite, David Tennant might just be one of the best Doctors so far. Yessir, I'll admit to that. Apparently, I'm not the only one to think so either. Thing is, David chose to make this announcement at the National Television Awards, where "Doctor Who" once more sweeped the show and conquered all, winning the prize for "Best Drama" and "Outstanding Performance", the latter being the reason (and backdrop) for David's big revelation. He featured live (?) on the big screen, from Stratford Upon-Avon where he's still playing "Hamlet", initially stating - in typical Tennant fashion - "Hello, I'm being the prince of Denmark at the moment, these are my personal guards", with reference to the two heavily armoured bodyguards standing behind him and looking increasingly funny as the video went along. He first expressed his gratitude at winning, once again, the popular award; for the third time in a row; and thanked the producers and Catherine the Great, very nice of him, then - all of a sudden - decided to tell us all that sorry, this will be the last chance for us to vote for him as The Doc, since he's going to quit. Which was met with an audible uproar in the audience, almost making poor David cry, then he went on to comfort the hysteric fangirls, saying his departure would not go into immediate effect, instead it's set to take place after the last of the upcoming specials; in other words, he won't be making Series 5 with Steven Moffat. Which is, probably, the greatest sorrow here; both for us and for David himself. After all, we'd been looking forward to that. Severely. But, like the man said, it was perhaps the right time to go, now, rather than staying onboard for an extended period, which might have lead to possible disappointments and tiredness; what else, Russel T. Davies and Julie Gardner are also quitting, Billie and Catherine are both gone, the story arc's been altered and the role is changing too. It's hard to know when to say stop, but from a logical point of view, he probably made the right decision. I stress the chance aspect here, because I'm - nonetheless - very angry and depressed and I would like him to change his mind, no doubt, but I do acknowledge the practicality of quitting while ahead. This moment, he is the most popular actor in the country, and the show has become an immense success story; they're just finished with what must have been the most oustanding season to date, he's won all possible awards, his career is simply escalating, his bank account (presumably) agrees with him, he's made a whole bunch of new mates - so yeah, makes sense. In doing it this way, David has given us a reason to grieve; and in return, got so much publicity, he hardly need us to confirm our appreciation any further. Had he waited, we might've been more than happy to be rid of him. Mind you, some people are. I've read loads of comments saying it was about time, and that he's been a big let-down throughout; well, they definately haven't watched "Midnight" anytime lately. And this comes from someone who thought the whole of DW had come to an end, when he first appeared onscreen. I hated him so much, it's embarassing. But he managed to turn my distaste into dizziness, and soon had me convinced. I haven't forgotten. And, it says quite a bit about the man's abilities - and qualities. Unfortunately, the whole grand slam hattrick event was sort of left in the background, in favour of an escalating debate; seeing how the tragic news got most of the attention and the public response, rather than the ousting of all other competition at the NTA's. Hence, I shall therefore - and most appropriately - end this little post-script with a sincere congratulations to the marvellous cast and crew of "Doctor Who", my favourite show, and especially to David, my Dear, for this achievement. It truly was fabulous. And Catherine Tate looked stellar, as she received the gong on David'd behalf; and chatted a little with him, whilst standing onstage, promising to come and see him as Hamlet sometime soon. How sweet. Liz Sladen, RTD and other familiar faces (Mickey!!) were also present - looking very happy altogether. No Billie, though, which is understandable since she just gave birth (to a "healthy baby boy", and I quote Laurence Fox); congrats to her on that. Hopefully, it won't take me too long to yield and come to terms with the blatant facts; that David is a smart guy who's being tactical, and that we have great, exciting adventures in store, with Moffat in charge, and a brand new cast - and crew! - to anticipate. Which I do. A lot. I'm out of my mind with anxious anticipation and expectations and everything else that applies. Much more speculations to come, and rumours to follow up on, but for the time being - such is the state of things: David Tennant has announced he will quit, but is still figuring as The Doctor for the Christmas Episode ("Return of the Cybermen") and the 2009 group of Infmaous Specials. Catherine Tate is runmoured to make a reappearance, as is John Simm, but the only confirmed guest actor (whom we all know) is David Morrissey. RTD will pen most of the upcoming episodes, the regular directors will direct, and the Blue Box is still Blue and working. Last but certainly not least, there is the DVD boxset of Series 4, coming up this November, that is: next month, which will add to the almost-final judgement of David's performance, and provide a most perfect insight into the wonders of The Doctor and Donna's travels together; fantastic stuff; and lots of marvellous bonus material to enjoy, and resort to when the lack of future David-starring-stories becomes too importunate. Similar to the past two seasons, also available to have and to hold, which both display - with excellence - the sheer range of his grandeur. A monument in time and space, of love. Thanks, David. That's all I've got to say. (I'll save the obligatory David-reminiscencing and episode-recap for later.) Thank you so much, and best of luck with your upcoming projects, we'll be staying put! And remain enthusiastic!

Sources & references:

vgnett (david featured in norwegian media, no less)
dailymail I (an article which they actually managed to call "doctor no"; david's leaving - and featuring very sweet picture of billie and david!)
dailymail II (bookmaker's favourites for new doc and more)
the guardian (with comments; nasty ones too, as it were)

and finally: check it out on youtube (the entirety of david's speech; just so you may see for yourselves. And by the way, the guy handing over the price is none other than Zachary Quinto who plays the überevil, übermanipulative Sylar on "Heroes". The only person on the show I actually don't like. Haha. Yet, I must say, I'm fascinated how the pieces come together. Like birds of a feather, etc. Nice flock of mine. And very nice seeing them all again. Even Sylar.)