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Mild spoilers for Doctor Who Season 14, episode 7 abound in this page.
The penultimate episode of Doctor Who season 14 made hints about the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) possibly shattering a 16-year Regeneration run. Since it was conceived out of need in 1966, when main actor William Hartnell became too sick to continue performing the role, the idea of the Doctor and other Time Lords being able to change form has been a central component of the series. Every actor portraying Doctor Who finally leaves the show; the regeneration scene distinguishes the past as well as the new Doctors' tenure. Though regeneration itself will always be part of the series, the post-2005 reboot of Doctor Who altered the amount of regenerations the Doctor could have as well as certain other areas of the canon. Although the length of time a doctor may remain in a position is not set in stone, all of modern Doctor Who's leads have gone along similar paths. But a remark the fifteenth doctor made in "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" implies Gatwa might deviate from custom.
Eventually, every Doctor Who friend either personally sees Regeneration or hears someone else tell them about it. Every modern lead in Doctor Who has stayed around for three complete seasons. But Ruby Sunday's (Millie Gibson) discussion of Susan, the doctor's granddaughter, resulted in a remark implying the Fifteenth Doctor might be around for longer. Ruby was reassured by the doctor that he was not intending to modify his for a long time even after he told her Time Lords can alter their appearance either to disguise themselves or to protect their life.
Having played the Doctor for seven years starting in 1974, Tom Baker presently boasts the longest tenure record. This might have been a throwaway comment reflecting Fifteen's personality. It may equally well, though, have been another instance of Doctor Who transgressing the Fourth Wall. There is little cause to believe that the Doctor's reply was less of the same since the present season has had enough of meta-commentary. This sentence may have easily been Gatwa informing the public that he intends to stay in the part for a long period instead of departing following his third season.
The series would be better off with the Fifteenth Doctor staying for more than three years. Less of the doctor appears in Gatwa's first season than on past visits. While most current Doctor Who seasons include 12 to 14 episodes, Season 14 only consists of 8. Gatwa's debut season also included two Doctor-lite episodes in which he scarcely appears. This is a result of issues in scheduling since Gatwa was finishing his stint on Netflix's Sex Education when production started. Gatwa would therefore have significantly less screen time than other modern doctors if he left early.
If Gatwa's doctor only stayed three seasons, particularly considering his limited screen time, it would be unfortunate. Gatwa should stay long enough to confirm his rendition of the Doctor; he lends a lively, engaging attitude to his position. Since his term has hardly started, staying for more than three years would make him far more unforgettable. This is particularly relevant should the show follow its tendency of shorter seasons.
One distinctive and much-loved feature of Doctor Who is its Regeneration tradition. It offers a unique viewpoint on the character and the show overall as well as lets the Doctor grow, alter, and adjust with time. Representing the Doctor's continuous trip across time and space, regeneration is a strong emblem of rebirth and rejuvenation. Every regeneration gives the Doctor a fresh look and personality that shapes their interactions with their friends and attitude to the world.
For more than 50 years, Doctor Who's regeneration legacy has defined the show and drawn a devoted following that welcomes the Doctor's always shifting character. The legacy of regeneration has also helped the show to remain interesting and relevant for next generations of viewers. Doctor Who is a special and interesting sci-fi show since the continuous cycle of regeneration guarantees that it will keep surprising viewers.
Season fourteen of Doctor Who has been one of transformation and rebirth. Ncuti Gatwa's appointment as the Fifteenth Doctor has given the programme a new, vivid vitality. The season has revisited some iconic Doctor Who foes, explored fresh and fascinating ideas, and brought in fascinating new characters. The season has also kept struggling with the ongoing influence of hope, compassion, and the search of knowledge.
Fans are wondering whether Ncuti Gatwa will follow the set 3-season regeneration streak or if he will deviate from custom as the season draws to an end. Given Gatwa's outstanding performance and his capacity to give the part a distinctive and interesting vitality, the Fifteenth Doctor's potential for a longer term excites me. Doctor Who has bright future and the show is likely to enthrall viewers for many years to come.