With Capaldi being rather more long in the tooth than other recent actors to take on the role, comparisons were rife from the get go that Peter would be giving a rather more 'vintage' take on the role. Fans were also quick to point out similarities between his costume and that of fan-favourite Jon Pertwee. His age and choice of costume aside, his gruffer and more alien on-screen persona also gave Series 8 a suitably classic feeling which, ironically, gave a new lease of life to the now 10 year old NuWho formula. Similarly, the shift in dynamic between the Doctor and Clara in light of his older visage created a much needed degree of friction and did away with the convention of the Doctor/Companion romance factor. Indeed, this scene from his first episode Deep Breath, in which the Doctor addresses their relationship, is particularly memorable:
The Doctor: Clara, I'm not your boyfriend. Clara: I never thought you were. The Doctor: I never said it was your mistake.
Old has truly met new with Capaldi, something long term and new fans alike have praised and enjoyed.