Doctor Who: 5 Reasons The Twelfth Doctor's Screwdriver Should Regenerate

3. It's A Tradition (Well... Sort Of)

Throughout the ages, the Doctor's sonic screwdriver has been altered and upgraded, evolving from a laughably underwhelming glow stick to a purveyor of mass destruction. Its dramatic transformation can become apparent, simply by contrasting the Second Doctor's stark, almost ballpoint pen-like sonic device with the Eleventh Doctor's bulkier version whose metal prongs can expertly flip open. It only feels appropriate that this long-standing tradition be upheld for the Twelfth Doctor, too. Nevertheless, time is always in flux, and nothing is ever certain in the Whoniverse. You might argue that the renewal of sonic screwdrivers is not a tradition at all, just a decision proposed on a whim in a whimsical show with almost no laws governing its very questionable logic. After all, the Tenth Doctor used Eccleston's screwdriver throughout his tenure, and no one complained then. David Tennant, however, was the first Doctor to introduce the whole pointing act, where he positions himself in a fighting stance and grips the screwdriver as if it were a weapon, waving it in the faces of disconcerted enemies. Eccleston still handled it the "proper" way, LED directed downwards, primarily used for unlocking doors. From this perspective, Nine and Ten's identical screwdrivers are vastly different. Discrepancies aside, it is definitely an exciting experience to see what new designs are in store for the Doctor's nifty tool. By being inconsistent with this aspect of the show, it can be disheartening for fans, like an anticipated Christmas present not appearing under the tree. Your favourite holiday just wouldn't be the same without sonic screwdrivers disabling whirring, killer Christmas trees and explosive ornaments.