Ep 8. The Day of the Doctor
- TV-PG
- November 23, 2013
- 76 min
On November 23, 2013, Doctor Who celebrated its 50th anniversary and the eighth episode of the fiftieth season, titled The Day of the Doctor, marks the momentous occasion. The episode was simulcast in over 94 countries and in 600 theaters worldwide, making it a historic event for fans of the long-running British sci-fi series.
The episode features the return of Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor, who is joined by David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, and John Hurt as a previously unknown incarnation called the War Doctor. The episode also features the return of fan-favorite characters such as Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) and the Zygons, as well as appearances from Queen Elizabeth I and the Daleks.
The Day of the Doctor sees the three Doctors coming together to face a threat unlike any they have encountered before. The War Doctor, who had previously been kept a secret due to the events of the Time War, enters the fray with a plan to end the conflict and destroy both the Daleks and the Time Lords. The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors must convince the War Doctor to find another solution that will not result in the destruction of Gallifrey.
As the Doctors team up to save their home planet, they are aided by Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) and a mysterious figure known only as "the curator" (Tom Baker). Together, they travel through time and space to uncover the truth behind the War Doctor's actions and the true nature of the "moment" – a weapon of unimaginable power that is at the center of the conflict.
The episode is filled with callbacks to previous episodes and nods to some of the most beloved moments in Doctor Who history, making it a delight for fans old and new. The writing is clever and engaging, with plenty of humor and heart, and the performances by the three Doctors are simply incredible. The chemistry between Tennant, Smith, and Hurt is palpable, and their interactions make for some of the most memorable moments in the show's history.
Overall, The Day of the Doctor is a remarkable episode that celebrates Doctor Who's rich history while paving the way for its future. It's an epic adventure that will have viewers on the edge of their seats, and a fitting tribute to the show's enduring legacy.