This is a wonderful time to be a Doctor Who fan. The show is popular, the stories are mostly good, the production values are usually high and change is in the wind. As hard as it to let go of the past there is a glorious sense of heightened anticipation when a new Doctor is about to be introduced. Its like your first taste of sushi if youre someone who wasnt exposed early to that flavor its either intoxicating or repulsive but either way its strong, almost overpowering and incredibly interesting. Here is what I would love to see happen in series 8. I have high hopes for the future of the show but I also have some quibbles about series 7 that Id like to see addressed. I also have a few far-flung dreams and outright fantasies but well, its Doctor Who so they fit right in.
7. A Matt Smith Directed Episode
While Matt Smith the actor may be leaving the role of the Doctor, there are other ways he could continue to contribute to the show. His directing debut in Cargese was beautifully shot the stark, bleak framing and muted color choices creating a highly unsettling atmosphere. How fascinating would it be to watch the unique take on another Doctor by a director who had actually lived and breathed the same role? Smith has certainly proven his ability to surprise us with his creative choices as an actor and his debut in Cargese suggests his direction would be just as thoughtful and provocative. Series 7 was missing something for me and until recently I havent quite been able to put my finger on it. The quality was good overall but something wasnt quite right and I think Ive finally figured it out. We needed more depth of character. There were some standouts in the series Professor Palmer in Hide, Ada in Crimson Horror but for the most part guest stars felt under-utilized. I think that as an actor himself, and judging by his work on Cargese, Matt Smith would be a good directing choice to bring back the profound character moments that make Doctor Who so special.