Doctor Who Season 10: 5 Ups And 2 Downs From 'The Pilot'

3. Capaldi Is Still Great

Doctor Who The Pilot Peter Capaldi
BBC

It's a real shame that Peter Capaldi's tenure in the TARDIS has coincided with a drop in ratings, disinterest, and some derision about the direction of the show, because his Doctor is an absolute delight to watch.

After a rocky start he really came into his own in Series 9 (which, for all the decline in viewership, was one of NuWho's best), and you can see how much he's grown both into the character and in confidence here.

Settled into life as a university lecturer in Bristol, he does a wonderful job of portraying the old eccentric teacher, in particular when he meets Bill. He does take something of a secondary role to her, but even with that Capaldi manages to shine, remaining just as magnetic as ever.

There's still very much an alien sense about him, and yet also a continuation of the warmth we saw develop last time around, and the relationship with Bill is already building to something pretty sweet.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.