Doctor Who: 10 Qualities That Made Peter Capaldi's Doctor Great
7. The Voice From The Past
Judging from the fallout following his departure announcement, Peter Capaldi is destined to be remembered as one of the fans’ favourites, even by those who do not rate the Steven Moffat era. Much of this has to do with his affinity with the fan base, for like David Tennant, he has always been a passionate fan himself. As an ambassador for the show he has been a revelation, showing a warmth and generosity towards the audience (including those unofficial location reporters) and going the extra mile when it comes to all the extra-curriculum activities.
Capaldi’s knowledge of his predecessors was immediately clear when he was unveiled as the Doctor in spectacular fashion on a live BBC show. Looking somewhat embarrassed by all the over-the-top attention, he found the coolest thing to do with his nervous hands - clutching his lapels ala William Hartnell, the First Doctor. The moment was not lost on Steven Moffat who found plenty of ways for Capaldi to channel other Doctors.
Each incarnation of the Doctor is inevitably compared to his predecessors, and sometimes the point is slightly forced. Occasionally the script specifically suggests it, as in Peter Davison’s debut episode, Castrovalva, or the Matt Smith two-parter, The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People. But Peter Capaldi’s run is littered with direct and indirect references, most notably to Tom Baker, and he carries them off with an uncanny accuracy.