Since Peter Capaldi was revealed as next in line to play the Doctor, speculation arose that his incarnation would be a brash one, meant to contrast the whimsy of Matt Smith's eleventh Doctor. Many have expected Capaldi to bring his "The Thick of It" character Malcolm Tucker, a foul-mouthed media advisor, to his representation of the Doctor. Even show runner Steven Moffat has described his vision of the twelfth Doctor as "fiercer" and "madder" than previous incarnations. However true this turns out to be, only time will tell. Though, it isn't as though previous incarnations of the Doctor have been as happy-go-lucky as Capaldi's two predecessors. Hartnell's portrayal had the first Doctor grumping around with and patronizing companions by the episode, for instance, so it comes as no surprise that the Doctor might treat those around him with a little indignity. Still, only rarely has the Doctor treated villains or even his companions with much blatant cruelty. As fans anticipate a few seasons of foul-mouthed fun (probably not, though), perhaps it is fitting to look back on the Doctor's previous lives and the few times they make us wonder if the Doctor truly is "never cruel or cowardly."
