Doctor Who 'Journey's End' + Future Plans

Journey's End aired last night (5th July '08) in the UK, but for American and Australian viewers, Russell T Davies' final denouement is still to come. This article will look at the success of the series, and the suggestions and rumours surrounding the future of Doctor Who. It will not give away the ending of Season 4, so read on without fear.

Journey's End for Russell T Davies

Journey's End marks a dazzling climax to Russell T Davies' reign in charge of Doctor Who. The writer's incredibly successful revival of the long running, much loved British sci-fi series has been a phenomenal success, completely revitalizing Saturday night TV. Journey's End represents the culmination of five years at the helm, celebrated by a clever storyline drawing on friends from the past, ancient foes and myriad inter-linking plots and themes that have been slowly building up over the entire last four series. Davies will be replaced as executive producer by Steven Moffat for the fifth series of the revived Doctor Who in 2010.

With Journey's End, many loose ends have been tied up. Despite each previous season's finale being hugely dramatic, Journey's End rewards long time fans with a climax befitting a four year wait. The story is immensely moving, and ultimately frees the way for Moffat to take over with a clean slate.

Is David Tennant Leaving the Show?

Many rumours abound about whether David Tennant will be replaced as the Doctor. Time off has definitely been written in to his schedule to accommodate his stint playing Hamlet for the Royal Shakespeare Company (July – November '08), but that does not necessarily preclude a return to the TARDIS. The possibility of the Doctor regenerating as somebody new always arises at the end of a series, and this time, with Moffat set to take over, several new and interesting names have already been suggested.

Who Could Play The Doctor?

• Robert Carlyle is currently hotly tipped to take on the role as the 11th incarnation of the Doctor. The versatile Scottish actor first came to prominence on British TV screens as Albie, the cold blooded killer of DCI David Bilborough in Cracker. As Bilborough was played by former Doctor Christopher Ecclestone, it would make for an intriguing turn of events if Carlyle were to take over as the new Doctor.

• James Nesbitt has also been linked with the role. Nesbitt turned in a superbly chilling, tormented performance in the Moffat scripted Jekyll, and was actually offered a guest role opposite David Tennant in Doctor Who Season 2. He was unable to take it due to prior commitments, which may turn out to be a lucky break for him if indeed the role of the Doctor might now be up for offer.

The Legacy of Russell T Davies

Regardless of who continues in the role of the Doctor, one thing is for certain, the legacy of Russell T Davies' work on Doctor Who has invigorated the series far beyond the wonky sets and rubber faced aliens of old. Doctor Who is now a flagship show capable of attracting the very best talent, from writers to actors to crew. He has re-energised the entire Doctor Who franchise.

Further reading: Steven Moffat is currently working with Stephen Spielberg on the scripts for the upcoming Tintin films. As at least one of these will be directed by Peter Jackson, this article on Peter Jackson Films 1996 – Present may be of interest.

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