Doctor Who: 15 Real Historical Characters The Doctor Has Met
5. Richard Nixon
Chris Chibnall take note: this is how you portray a controversial political figure. Mr "I am not a crook" appears in the brilliant Matt Smith double ep "The Impossible Astronaut/Day of the Moon", with Stuart Milligan brilliantly bringing the notorious US President to life. What makes Milligan's portrayal so good is his ability to create a three dimensional characterisation while avoiding caricature at all costs.
The interactions between Smith's Doctor and Nixon are funny and engaging throughout, with the Doctor's cheeky demeanour clashing with the conservative Nixon, though both equally unrelenting in achieving the task at hand. In fact, Nixon is often seen as the Doctor's get out of jail card here, such as when the Doctor is arrested for tampering with Apollo 11 and 'Tricky Dicky' must use his clout as President to get him out of trouble.
The shady reputation of Nixon is addressed with a degree of fun and without political bias, which is a pleasant surprise. A debate between the Doctor and River Song as to just how bad Nixon was as a president is hilarious, Ms Song calling her lover a 'hippy' for his anti Nixon views. The Doctor's response to Nixon's earnest questioning of how he will be remembered is another example of great writing, with the simple response, "they will never forget you".