By now, we are all aware that Matt Smith’s 11th Doctor will soon be regenerating into number 12, played by Peter Capaldi. We also know that the Regeneration will be featured in the Christmas episode at the end of the year. As always, speculation turned to what will cause the regeneration and where the regeneration will take place.
It seems we may now answer. In the latest issue of DWM, current showrunner Steven Moffat has said, on the subject of regeneration;
“Pretty soon will arrive and he’ll be whisked off to begin the trip of a lifetime, probably wondering what it will be like, where it will take him, and how long it will last. And about then, Matt Smith will be standing in his TARDIS for the very last time, with his eyes on the studio door – because about to step through is a Scottish actor, dressed as him.”
Not only is that a pretty definite confirmation, it also alludes to David Tennant’s final moments on the Who set which were quite similar.
I expect, if this comes to pass many fans will have a problem with the idea of another TARDIS regeneration considering every New Who change has done so. I however, don’t have a problem with this. The TARDIS is the most intimate setting for the Doctor and it feels naturally this is where he would be most comfortable dying and being reborn (if he has the chance to get to the TARDIS that is). Also, unlike the last two recent regenerations the TARDIS set has changed significantly therefore it feels different this time.
On the transition, Moffat has also said;
It’s utterly bonkers! He still thinks he’s Matt Smith, but he looks like he’s Peter Capaldi. He’s adjusting to who he is. It’s a transitional phase.
This sounds pretty cool and it excites me that the 12th Doctor will still act like the 11th before we see the 12th develop. To do this, it feels natural that it should take place in the Tardis.
But what say you? Is another TARDIS regeneration an example Moffat’s tendency to retread? Would you like to see it happen elsewhere?