It has been 14 years since Matt Smith premiered as the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who. We wanted to look back at some of the episodes that encapsulate who this Time Lord is. His ability to simultaneously be a quirky goofball and a force to be reckoned with created one of the most popular Doctors of the series. If you think bowties and fezzes are cool, you will want to check out these six episodes of Doctor Who that show off the Eleventh Doctor’s personality.
The Eleventh Hour (S05E01)
Our introduction to the Eleventh Doctor is one of chaos and whimsy. Crashing the Tardis and craving strange concoctions to renew his strength after regeneration, he appears as a bit of a hot mess. When it comes to alien dangers, however, the Doctor proves he is the authority. He is able to switch quickly between an ideal “imaginary friend” for a child and the fierce defender of Earth.
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The Time of the Angels/Flesh and Stone (S05E04-05)
In this two-part episode, “The Time of the Angels” and “Flesh and Stone”, we get the first glimpse into the Eleventh Doctor’s rage. It is a quiet, cold fury, but when the Weeping Angels taunt him with the deaths of people in his care, he barely holds himself back. We also see his struggle with helplessness when he has to leave Amy (Karen Gillan) on her own. His determination to save everyone, and his devastation at not being able to, is what makes this episode(s) important to understanding the Doctor’s character.
The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang (S05E12-13)
The Eleventh Doctor shows his intelligence and resourcefulness through the two-part episode, “The Pandorica Opens” and “The Big Bang.” Where at first he seems to be doing a bunch of nonsensical things and is detached from his companions, he proves that he was always a step ahead of his enemies. He is a Time Lord after all, so his understanding of time-hopping is what saves the day. And he shows that his love and compassion for his friends runs deep, even if he is awkward at expressing it sometimes.
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A Good Man Goes to War (S06E07)
“A Good Man Goes to War” is another battle of strategy. In this episode, the Eleventh Doctor calls in all of his allies to rescue Amy and her baby. This is when we see his recklessness surface, his moral compass not as straight of an arrow as previous regenerations. He may not actively harm anyone, but he will be the general and look the other way as his allies do the dirty work. Again we see that when provoked, his personality is one of angry defender and protector.
The Day of the Doctor (Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special)
In the 50th anniversary episode, “The Day of the Doctor“, we really get to see the differences in personality between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors. Because they team up with each other and with the War Doctor (John Hurt), the audience is able to compare and contrast in real-time. The Eleventh Doctor’s childlike enthusiasm is more apparent, and he comes across as more angry and regretful about the past rather than the Tenth’s (David Tennant) brooding guilt.
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The Time of the Doctor (S08E00)
In “The Time of the Doctor”, it’s the end of the Eleventh Doctor’s life and he shows us his determination and self-sacrifice. Where he has proven before to become antsy having to stay in one place for too long, he willingly stays in the town of Christmas for decades. He does it to protect the townspeople and to protect Clara (Jenna Coleman). We see his vulnerability and his love in his resolute duty. He even shows a bit of his adventurous optimism as he regenerates, experiencing a grateful awe that he’s been given more regenerations.
So, what is your favorite characteristic of the Eleventh Doctor? Would you be willing to try fish fingers and custard if it meant getting to meet him? And, what other episodes do you feel showcase his personality? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and have fun re-watching these episodes.
This article was originally published in April 2024.
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